Brick and Mortar: Why Your Hours are Important

Opening hours probably don’t feel like the most important priority to you as a business owner. You might even use those hours as more of a guide than a definite commitment. But opening times are actually one of the most important contracts between companies and their customers. Constant changes, or an uncertainty around whether listed hours are actually accurate, can certainly destroy sales prospects before people even get through your door.

This may sound a little extreme, but opening hour inconsistencies could even spell the end of your business in the long run. Let’s consider why.

Pexels Image: CC0 License

# 1 – You Look Unprofessional

Sloppiness surrounding your open hours looks plain unprofessional. Even more worryingly, it gives customers the impression that you can’t manage your time. And if that’s the case, then how can they possibly trust you to run an effective company? Even if you stick a note on the door to explain, you’re sending a clear and damning message about your priorities.

There are, of course, a few exceptions to this. Customers might be a little more willing to forgive unexpected closures during extreme weather, for instance. However, even this isn’t an excuse enough to stop you from sticking roughly to the right times considering that commercial snow ploughing services from a company like https://www.greshamsinc.com/ ensure even snow needn’t stop you from accessing and opening your store when required. 

You might still be a little bit late, but this kind of proactive effort to open no matter what showcases precisely the professional way you should treat your planned hours at all times.

# 2 – You Invite Negative Reviews

Most people won’t leave a negative review unless they’re really incensed. And, you know what gets people more riled up than anything? Driving twenty minutes out of their way to a store that’s shut when it shouldn’t be.

After all, most people now check out opening hours online before they drive long distances for a particular company. That customer will have spent their time and fuel making this trip based on your word, only to find that you’ve deceived them. You bet they’ll leave a strongly-worded review!

And, you know, the worst thing? You can’t defend yourself using techniques like those outlined at https://www.uschamber.com/ because you’re most definitely in the wrong. You’ll simply have to sit back and wait for the inevitable damage.

# 3 – You Lose Customers

Losing customers is the absolute worst fate when you’re attempting to build a successful business, but it’s exactly what will happen if inconsistent opening hours become your norm. As discussed here, unprofessional appearances and an increase in negative reviews will both contribute to this. Remember, too, that customers will look for products elsewhere if you’re not available when they need you. They’re also unlikely to ever return to you over whichever competitor they seek out after you’ve already let them down.

If you’re currently treating your opening hours as a plan rather than a fixed feature, think again. Taking steps to ensure that you never open those doors a minute too late is the only way to avoid these unfavorable outcomes.