Our society runs at a much faster pace than it did years ago. With instant messaging, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and other applications, we have spurned an “I want it now!” attitude. One thing that hasn’t changed is that few things please customers more than fast turnaround. In a lot of cases, turnaround time and reliability is more important than price. Deliver fast and many customers will choose you over your competitors.
Last week we were awarded a project from a customer we don’t do a lot of work with. He said that he decided to buy from us again because of the great turnaround on his last project. His order was much larger than the last one and it looks like he will turn into a regular customer. This week another customer needed some signs right away. We met his deadline, and he was very grateful. This customer is used to our fast turnaround time.
Who likes to wait? Making any purchase is based on emotion. When you make the decision to buy you want it right away. Whether it is a new car, a computer for your office or even a chocolate bar, you want it now. Put yourself in your customer’s shoes. If they want to buy your product or service, deliver when they want it, not when it is convenient for you.
State your turnaround time in your marketing materials. If you can provide a fast turnaround, say so loud and often and watch your sales grow. If a customer “wants it now!” then give it to them NOW!