Good reception areas are essential for many businesses as they allow customers or clients to wait until their appointment or meeting. Studies have found that a well-designed, welcoming, and comfortable reception area can significantly improve customer satisfaction.
According to a survey by the American Institute of Architects, over half of all businesses (53%) have reception areas where customers and clients can wait before their appointment or meeting. Most of those businesses had reception areas with seating (98%), which is essential in ensuring that customers feel comfortable while waiting.
Hotels, medical establishments, and salons are only a few major players that need a good reception area. The quality of the service is often judged by the atmosphere and ambiance of the waiting room, so it’s essential to make sure yours is designed in a way that will give customers a positive first impression. So what should be in a good reception area? Here are a few items to consider.
Comfortable Furniture and Accessories
Comfortable furniture and accessories should be a priority in any excellent reception area as they are essential in creating a welcoming and inviting atmosphere. Customers who are made to feel comfortable while they wait will have a much more positive experience than those who think they are uncomfortably uninvited.
The type of furniture chosen should be appropriate for the size and function of the space. Chairs, couches, and other seating pieces should be ergonomically friendly with adjustable features such as armrests, backrests, and footrests so customers can easily find their ideal sitting position.
Accent pieces like rugs, plants, artworks, sculptures, and other decorative items can also create a warm, inviting atmosphere. Additionally, reception areas should include end tables where clients can set things such as laptops or briefcases while they wait. Finally, places like hotels may benefit from providing magazines, books, board games, or puzzles to help pass the time. All these elements combined create a sense of comfort that encourages customers to relax while they wait for their appointment or meeting.
Entertainment
The concept of a reception area is that people will have to wait for their turn. While it is easy for them to get distracted by their respective phones, it is better to have entertainment options available as a distraction.
This can come from TVs, video game systems, books, or magazines. Having such options makes the wait more bearable and less tedious, which can be important for customers who are already impatient or annoyed at waiting. It also helps keep their minds occupied, so they don’t start to worry about the meeting itself.
A study by the International Council for Shopping Centers found that customers who are entertained while waiting in a reception area tend to stay longer and buy more than those who are not. Therefore, handy entertainment options can benefit both the customer and the business.
Finally, having Wi-Fi available is also essential in most modern reception areas as people often need it to access documents or contact someone while they wait. Businesses should ensure they have an established policy regarding their Wi-Fi network, as this will help protect their data and information from being compromised by unauthorized users.
Snacks and Beverages
Having snacks and beverages in the reception area is essential for businesses that want to make a good impression on their customers. Studies have shown that providing refreshments in the waiting room can help reduce customer anxiety, improve customer satisfaction, and even increase sales by making customers feel more relaxed and welcome.
Here are a few snacks and beverages to consider giving:
Coffee
Coffee is a must-have in any reception area. Not only does it provide a great pick-me-up, but its smell will help create a pleasant atmosphere that can make customers feel at ease. You can partner with a wholesale coffee company to provide various coffee options, such as espresso-based beverages or flavored coffees.
Bottled water
Bottled water is another excellent option for customers, as it is refreshing and hydrating. You can also opt for flavored waters with natural sweeteners so that customers can choose from various options.
Fresh fruit
Fresh fruit is a healthy and refreshing snack that can give customers an energy boost while they wait. You can provide a variety of fruit, such as apples, oranges, or bananas.
Nuts, chips, pretzels, and other salty snacks
Salty snacks are great for those customers who need a quick snack while they wait. These snacks can easily be purchased in bulk and offer customers various options.
Cookies or baked goods
Cookies and baked goods are great ways to give customers something sweet while they wait. They can be purchased from a bakery or even homemade if you have the staff or resources.
These items should be presented in a manner that is both attractive and inviting. It will also help if the selection of snacks reflects the company’s values and mission so customers know what to expect when they enter the reception area. Providing healthy options such as fresh fruit can also boost customer satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
A good reception area should have comfortable furniture, accessories, entertainment options, and snacks and beverages. All these elements combine to create a welcoming atmosphere that will make customers feel welcome and help them relax while waiting for their appointment or meeting. When designing your reception area, consider all of these factors so you can provide your customers with the best experience possible.