The First Facility Management Blog

Gerflor, a global designer and manufacturer of vinyl resilient floor coverings, has launched a new QuickShip program. The program offers up to 48,000 yards of sheet vinyl allowing customers to choose from homogenous vinyl, luxury vinyl sheet, or safety floors. A minimum of 700 square yards of selected colors are readily available for customers to fulfill their vinyl flooring orders quickly. For orders exceeding 700 square yards, customer service representatives will work to fulfill orders efficiently and effectively.

“The QuickShip program provides customers an easy and economical way to receive our vinyl flooring products,” said Alan Fennell, president of commercial flooring. “Today’s consumer demands high performing products that can be delivered quickly. Gerflor meets this demand by combining our new QuickShip program with our excellent customer service skills.”

Gerflor’s QuickShip program includes the following product ranges: Mipolam Troplan 100, Mipolam Elegance 290, Mipolam Accord 300, Nera Contract Wood and Tarasafe Ultra. A complete list of products included in the program can be found by visiting the Gerflor website and clicking on the QuickShip logo.

A new survey indicates that building service contractors (BSCs) are actively involved with keeping their customers happy by conducting customer service surveys. The survey was conducted the first week of October 2008. Over 5,000 readers to the monthly Tornado Industries e-newsletter were invited to participate.

Nearly 60% of the respondents indicated they conduct ongoing customer service surveys. The largest percentage (46%) conduct surveys monthly to semiannually and another 24% conduct annual surveys.

Additionally, more than 80% said that conducting these surveys were either a “mid-level” or “high” priority. The respondents also said the main reason for conducting the surveys was to evaluate their workers.

Very few reported using new technologies such as online survey systems, which allow customers to answer a variety of questions on a Web site. Instead, 44% indicated they simply call their clients; about 20% mail or e-mail clients a questionnaire, while most of the others install a suggestion/comment box in client facilities.

And what happens if a problem is reported? According to the survey:

• 56 % of the BSCs said they first fix the problem and then call the customer to discuss the issue.
• About 33% said they call the customer first before any action is taken to address the problem.
• 6% said they investigate the issue first, then contact the client.
• 6% said they take no action at all.

Value in Customer Service Surveys

According to Accenture, a Chicago-based management consulting, technology services, and outsourcing company, poor customer service drives nearly half of all business customers to take their business elsewhere. This applies to virtually all types of service providers—including BSCs.

“Ensuring customers’ needs are being met should be a commitment in every organization,” says Jolynn Kennedy, marketing manager at Tornado. “It is something that has to be continuously worked on and is critical in helping any organization better understand their customers needs and challenges.”

In regards to the BSC customer service survey, Kennedy said it was interesting that so many BSCs call their clients to check on service status. “Many BSCs feel it is a more personal level of contact that helps them keep close to the client,” she says. “It is a very good way to head off potential problems and maintain customer loyalty.” 

More than 150 respondents took the survey. The survey has a “confidence rating” of 95%, indicating that even if more people took the survey, the responses would be about 95% the same.