Client Blog

Nation's Restaurant News reports that casual restaurants grew sales at 1% in 2010, and projected growth annually for 2011 is not projected to be much higher. Some customers that previously dined out frequently now scale back restaurant visits or limit them to special occasions.

“Buy Local” campaigns communicate convincing reasons why residents should shop or dine at locally-owned stores, including support of the local economy and reduction of environmental footprint, since buyers don’t have to travel as far to make purchases or dine out.  The campaigns emphasize that local company employees usually know your name and make shopping or dining at their business a far more personal and satisfying experience.

Customer Experience Measurement Firm Recognized In Two Categories

1. Speak customer, not industry jargon. Make things easy: don’t make your customer have to understand your business. Industry jargon and double talk don’t get or keep customers. While some disclaimers may be legal requirements, ensure your staff does not go too far. There’s a nice, achievable balance between industry jargon and talking down to a customer.
    

Banks are thinking about imposing annual fees of $25 or $30 on debit cards, according to people familiar with bank strategies.  Other banks will increase fees on checking accounts. For example, during 2011, Bank of America will offer four basic checking accounts in some states, instead of three.  Three of the four will offer ways for customers to avoid fees, while the fourth, the Essentials account, has an unavoidable monthly fee between $6 and $9.  Chase Bank will charge a $6 monthly fee on one of their checking accounts, however, customers can avoid the fee with a $500 or more monthly deposit to the account, or when they use their debit cards five times during the month.