It’s all about the experience – customer experience that it is. I remember when I used to think a trip to the car wash was fun; you and your car would go on a watery voyage filled with bubbles, oversized sponges and an electronic smiley face at the end of the tunnel that would invite you to come back again.
Then a few years later this fun trip becomes a dreaded task that you pay for – not your parents. You wait in a long line of cars filled with annoyed drivers and passengers who all rushed out to get their car washed on the first sunny day that Western New York has seen in months.
I used to feel that way too. I hate doing any type of car maintenance – an oil change, tire rotation, car wash/clean… you name it, I hate it. This all changed recently – I saw the light at the end of the tunnel (or the friendly faces of Delta Sonic employees) and I have a completely different outlook on the car maintenance experience.
A couple of weeks ago I went to Delta Sonic for an obligatory wash and interior clean. Not only was my car wash a great deal at only $5, but the employees were hard-working and thoughtful. When I offered a tip to the kid who washed and dried off my car, he said “I see you’re getting an interior clean, save your tip for them.” Well that kid just got himself an extra buck. When was the last time that someone went without so their colleague or friend would benefit?
Next came the interior cleaning. Two girls sprayed, wiped and vacuumed every square inch of my Beetle. When they finished they even asked me to double-check their work to make sure I was pleased. Well, I was. And, while they were hard at work, I was inside, relaxing by a fire, watching a beautiful plasma screen TV and sipping on a cup of Dunkin’ Donuts coffee. All courtesy of Delta Sonic. These benefits all come standard with an $8 interior clean.
As if being spoiled by Delta Sonic wasn’t enough, my convenient car service luck continued. Last week, the Beetle needed an oil change. Blah. I made my appointment for a Saturday morning, when every other working professional makes their appointments. I anticipated spending the better part of a day without a car or, at minimum, stuck in a cold, dark, wet lobby twiddling my thumbs. Well, once again, I was pleasantly surprised. Northtown Automotive really puts the customer first. I waited less than five minutes for an employee to assist me before waiting in a movie theatre style room with complimentary popcorn and beverages. This was an experience.
So while I’m not looking forward to getting my next oil change or car wash, I’m certainly not dreading it either.
