I hadn't planned to continue last week's theme of ways retailers can attract customers into their stores, rather than lose business to online sellers, but I've just received a press release for KBzine's sister publication, Cleanzine, and it made me wonder whether there's any mileage in the idea it revealed...

The company concerned is ensuring that its visitors and company vehicles all have immediate access to electric charging points with the installation of some Rexel units in its head office car park. These are available for use 24 hours a day by anyone visiting the firm as well as all employees. It's another selling point, isn't it? 

The proportion of Ultra Low Emission Vehicles being registered in the UK car market continues to increase. According to The Society of Motor Manufacturers & Traders, there were 7,489 electric or hybrid vehicles registered this August as opposed to 3,968 in August of 2017. The Department for Transport June report states that in Q1 of this year, 15,388 ULEVs were registered for the first time in the UK - representing 1.8% of all new vehicle registrations.  This signifies an increase of 11% on 2017 Q1 and 30% on 2016.

A spokesperson for this 'switched on' company said that installation of these new charging points is providing reassurance and making it easier for visitors and staff to recharge. The idea has gone down very well indeed.

"Sustainability and concern for the environment is key and this is factored into operations across all our business units," he said.  "Cutting down on our fleet emissions, is another way we can improve our commitment, as is making provision for the growing numbers of EVs on our roads."

And still on customer service, a friend has just had her kitchen refurbished and the finished product includes a concrete worksurface. Unfortunately it's stained and while one surface is rough, another is smooth, when they're supposed to be identical. She told the firm they've not done a good job and they're not interested.

In these days of online customer reviews and the likes of Facebook, I wonder that any company can think it will get away with this flagrant lack of customer care. Obviously our friend will do her bit, but if you have an idea of what may be wrong with the worksurfaces  and what should be done to make them match and remove the stain, we'd love to hear from you! 

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Yours,

Jan Hobbs