Over the years, I’ve read endlessly about how customer service can impact our ratings and reviews and resident retention and how we should go above and beyond because customers have strong voices today due to social media. Whew. I remind myself, though, that all things aren’t created equal. We’d love to have customers for life but the fact is, that rarely happens. People move back west, they buy a home, they move back in with their parents, they elope, they go back in time to see how their parents first met and change the future. Let’s face it, a large part of our yearly turnover is filled with people who will leave no matter what you do; life happens. Is it possible or practical to offer this type of service to our residents?
Sure, we can wow them. Fix those things that need fixin’ fast. Keep the community clean. Help that neighbor get across the street. Smile. Clean up dog poop.
There has to be a limit to how far we’ll go, doesn’t there? We had a resident who was planning on moving out because they were buying a home. From all viewpoints, we’d done a great job. No complaints. No anonymous reviews. Two months before they were due to move out, they paid their rent online using the wrong checking account information. Obviously, their payment came back. Not only did the resident demand that we waive her late fees but also that we give her the last month’s rent free. Unreasonable? Ridiculous? Necessary compensation?
Is having a customer for life something you strive for? Is there a line we have to draw that other industries can’t or won’t? What do you think…? What stories can you share?
Happy renting everyone.