Bartenders, Hair Stylists, and Oil Changes

If you like Tom Cruise, the movie Cocktails, and you drive a car, then you will probably like this article.

It's Called OCD for Business

When I go out into the community I cannot help but compare other business models to the one we have at Rice Toyota. All kinds of things-parking lot layouts, checkout methods, greeters, salespeople, uniforms, email collection tactics, waiting area layouts, and yes it is annoying to never be able to relax even while at Disney World. (How do they get their employees to be so nice and no, its not the money.)

For example, when I go to the Apple store at Friendly Shopping Center I get really excited about not having to stand in a checkout line because their associates carry credit card swipers and they email you your receipt. Excellent! Thank you Apple. Now I think "I love this, how could Rice Toyota incorporate this?" And yes this is the R&D stage in my special projects file, right in the que behind offering manicures on Monday's for Lady's Day...

Anyway, I digress, so back to How to Get The Best Service on Your Vehicle: when I get together at parties or anywhere with people outside of work, I hear the same questions about vising a car dealership:

• Why does an oil change seam to take so long?
• Why do they say it will be an hour and then its an hour and a half. 
• Why don't they know I don't like the free car wash, I come here all the time? (Yes, seriously.)

Here is the inside scoop on what I tell my friends for getting the most consistent, quick, and satisfying service for your car at Rice Toyota.

Okay you know how you go to see one person to cut your hair?  Why do you do that?

Because you know that seeing the same stylist means you will get the same cut/color look that you want because your stylist knows you.  Your stylist knows if you like highlights around the face or a full foil. They know you will never, ever, no not ever, consider bangs again.  Yes, the salon is nice, but the person who is actually mixing up the color and wielding the scissors is who matters. Thus, you wouldn't dream of going to the same salon and seeing a different stylist every 4-6 weeks.

So I know millions of men read my blog and those millions are saying "What? That's ridiculous. I am a guy, I am bald, I use clippers, its just hair, who cares? I don't get your reference I thought this article was about bartenders who cut hair and change your oil." Okay guys, you know how in college, or now, you like to go to one bar because the bartender knows you and he would never hand you anything pink and fruity with an umbrella in it? Okay, good, glad you are on board now.

It is the relationship you build with your stylist/bartender that shapes your experience, they know whether your salon/bar is your chance to de-stress and reflect quietly or whether you want to just vent or tell jokes.  See where I am going with this? Your hair stylist/bartender knows what experience to offer you because they know you personally. 

So, next time you go in to have your vehicle serviced take a few seconds to get to know the person (they are called service writers for those taking notes) who greets you and is asking you all the questions about mileage on your car. Get their business card. Next time you need another oil change call and request that same service writer. The relationship you build will get you in and out in the time you need with the level of service you desire.