Service Quality Essay Research Paper PHAN DUNNWRT

Service Quality Essay, Research Paper PHAN DUNN WRT 101 ESSAY#2 April 20,1999 WHAT SERVICE QUALITY IS ALL ABOUT? The word Quality has various meanings and is a broad topic for me to discuss. The idea of quality is very complex to describe, as it deals with so many different principles. Fortunately, I found that the most important concept of service quality is that it makes a huge success in the spa and pool industry, which I am familiar, with as I spent a few years in this business. The most important concept is to be close to the customers. This means good service and listening to what the customers have to say. Also the most important aspect of all, is the customer’s expectation. They want to be serviced with dependably. The client wants know that every time they choose a pool service, they will receive good quality with excellent service. The majority also do not like change. They expect their pool and spa serviced by the same person, the one who knows their specific situation. The use of the same chemical products, for their pool, is paramount on most client’s mind. And if the specific chemical, that was requested is unavailable ,one must acquire it for them, as quickly as possible. Reliability is the most important part of pool service quality. If a pool service is not dependable, the customer may go elsewhere,thus possibly causing the company to go out of business. A pool owner wants to know that they are being served professionally and competently.They want to have their pool or spa serviced by people who know water chemistry and are highly trained, such as a Certified Pool Operator,with certificates and badges, that assure the customer they are receiving competent service. One judges the level of service, they receive, by physical evidence. Most of your customers are not experts at water chemistry,construction, or any other aspects having to do with pools and spas.They judge the service, they receive, by what they know and see. Service companies that have visibility unmaintained service vehicles,with sloven looking service personnel, generally exudes an unprofessional image, which communicates cheapness. Therefore, these companies cannot charge high prices, regardless of how good their service. In a customer’s mind, if one exudes cheapness, you must be cheap. On the other hand, companies with clean, attractive trucks and professional-looking employees, wearing C.P.O. (Certified Pool Operator)badges may generally charge higher prices, regardless of the difference in the service, which may indeed be zero. That innovation has been known for years. People enjoy knowing that the person delivering the service understands and cares about their situation, and will deliver personalized care and concern. Very often, people in the pool and spa industry, condemn and cajole customers who take very bad care of their pools. Instead of exclaiming, “You have tadpoles growing in your pool!”. State, “I know how hard it is for a busy person like you to bring in a water sample, but don’t worry, we will make it crystal clear for you.” Then smile, as you think about selling $200 worth of chemicals- and be sure to give them a brochure on your company’s pool refinishing services before they leave. “Next day service policy” People want to be serviced very quickly. No one wants to wait for service. I am acquainted with a pool builder who has had, and continues to have major financial problems, because he does not return phone calls in a timely fashion. I know personally of three bids he lost, simply because his former customers told people that he will not return their phone calls. I assume he never sells more than two pools in any neighborhood. There is simply no excuse for not getting back to people in a timely manner, and if you cannot, explain to them the reason why. This is how service quality is maintained in the pool business. For anyone interested in the pool business, chances are these concepts are very relevant to how customers evaluate and judge. Studies show that service is still critical to any success. Remember,even if the product quality is low, customer satisfaction can be recovered through great service. In my mind, the most important aspect, and least understood part of the pool and spa business, is construction. Because pools are seen more than they are used, I believe aesthetics will have the greater determination of whether or not customers enjoy their pools. Thus, I believe delivering high quality pool service is what generates high levels of satisfaction in consumers. The higher the quality produced, the higher the level of satisfaction experienced, thus the higher success of the company.