With COVID-19 restrictions lifting in many areas, consumer opinion about resuming activities varied. But one sentiment is common. Seventy-three percent of consumers expressed willingness to pay 5% more if the additional charge covered enhanced cleaning or safety protocols, according to a survey by text communications platform “SlickText”.
BUSINESS REVIEWS
The Language of the CONSUMER
Business Reviews –The NEW Language of the Consumer: So how important are Reviews to the Reputation of a Business post COVID-19? According to recent surveys, a large percentage of the people find reviews very important when determining which Company, they want to visit or stay at. Many of the people surveyed would not enter a business without having first read about what Green Programs the company offers. For this reason, it is becoming more and more important for companies to look for ways to provide a greener and healthier environment for their customers. Since the introduction of the web site phenomenon, and because of COVID-19 consumers from every corner of the world are now looking, reading and deciding what company meets with their Green Programs before they enter.
Disinfection and Sanitation: Diseases and infections have always been a major concern to every industry and Covid -19 has made every business most vulnerable as people from all over the world arrive in our cities every day, many from other countries where known health concerns exist. These travellers are brining with them their luggage as well as devices, clothing and handbags exposing businesses without any thought of what they may be carrying in terms on harmful infectious pathogens of which your business could become the next breeding ground.
Restaurant cleanliness perception is often determined before a customer even sits down or orders their food. Research has shown that a customer’s first point of contact at any business is often where the perception of cleanliness is established.
Since the COVID pandemic, the cleanliness of a restaurant has never been more important to consumers. They begin evaluating the restaurant’s cleanliness the minute they arrive.
Many consumers will respond to visual signals that show customers health and safety are a priority. Extra sanitation protocols, contactless delivery options, masked and gloved employees and clear social distancing guidelines can all ease a nervous consumers mind.
A Recovery Like No Other
“The hospitality sector in Canada and elsewhere around the world is poised to emerge from the COVID-19 lockdown and do business once more. Yet hospitality organizations will find themselves in a very different business environment and dealing with some important changes in consumer behaviour.”
Canadian consumers may want to go out for dinner, a night at the casino, or a sports event—but many still don’t believe it’s safe to do so. To persuade consumers to return, the hospitality sector must ensure it delivers a clean, safe experience and effectively communicate this to consumers.
Hotels are “sealing” rooms after cleaning, putting stickers on doors and doorframes to assure guests that no one has been in the room since it was cleaned.
Companies will need to connect actively with customers new and old to communicate how they’re protecting their customers’ health. From signage to emails, social media posts to YouTube videos, they should take the initiative to explain and show what they’re doing to keep everyone safe as business slowly reopens.
Diners are looking for restaurants to be transparent about their cleanliness procedures, so restaurants must use clear optics of what they are doing to keep diners safe. Customers are looking for things like single-use menus, disposable silverware, signs placed on tables that have been sanitized.
If your business is ready to reopen after COVID-19, you'll need an effective communication plan to spread the word to customers.
Getting customer communications right is critical to your business's success in a post-pandemic world, as consumers are looking for businesses that make them feel safe and secure.
There are many variables to consider when planning, but one thing is certain: Operators need to strengthen their sanitation procedures, and these efforts should be visible to consumers.
Consumer priorities have shifted drastically over the course of the pandemic. Previously, a good value at a restaurant may have simply meant getting good food at a fair price; nowadays, the value equation includes cleanliness and sanitation as well as customer safety.
Hilton CleanStay Brings New Standard
of Cleanliness Worldwide in Time for Summer Travel
Hilton CleanStay Room Seal: Add an extra measure of assurance by placing a room seal on doors to indicate to guests that their room has not been accessed since being thoroughly cleaned.
Kudos to the folks at Beckley for getting it right during this COVID mess. Two weeks ago, I stayed at 5 different Hilton properties in 4 states. Beckley was the only one doing COVID right. Only one with the sanitized seal on the door.
Promote your green cleaning practices - Awareness of green programs will have a strong impact on your business image. Consumers who see businesses whose facilities are not just clean but also provide a safe and healthy environment free of germs and bacteria before they enter them reassures their decision to enter, setting the stage for increased customer base from customer referrals.
Make sure your green programs are clearly featured on your website, in signage throughout your facility, in your literature and information booklets and, in subscriber e-mails or mailers.
Proactive Protection of Pathogens™: Fortunately, microbial contamination can be prevented and controlled by initiating and deploying proper management practices and programs each designed to enhance brand image while offering your customers and patrons effective distinction between you and your rivals.
EnviroNize® technology offers a comprehensive eco-friendly and cost-effective program that starts with eliminating the use of chemicals disinfectants and cleaners with a GREENER and SUSTAINABLE disinfectant EnviroNize® Anolyte and a cleaning solution EnviroNize® Catholyte. In addition, EnviroNize® offers its customers a complete Disinfection Awareness Program!
