Wowed By Apple

I went to the Apple store last night to pick up a case for my iPhone. I was looking at all the cases and feeling slightly overwhelmed by the sheer number, variety, and shades of pink. Fortunately, an Apple employee was nearby, so I asked him if there was a particular case preferred by most customers. He said no, but described the basic types of cases – hard plastic, rubbery, leather, etc.

I picked one that seemed to fit my needs and then took a quick glance around the store for the checkout line. I realized that I hadn’t seen a checkout counter since the store was rearranged a while back, so I asked the employee where I should go to pay. He told me that if I was using a debit or credit card that he could check me out right there on the spot.

WOW!

I tried not to seem surprised because I thought it would make me seem older and less cool than I want to be (I’m probably not their target market). But I couldn’t help but think “this is a great experience; technology is freak’n awesome; Apple rocks”. (yes, I mentally used the word “rocks”)

The man proceeded to scan the item with his hand-held machine, one that resembled those used by FedEx or UPS. Then he took my card, swiped it with the device, asked me if I wanted my receipt emailed, printed, or both – I chose email since I generally despise paper – and that was it. My purchase was completed, right there in front of the wall of cases, and I was on my way.

I left the Apple store thinking that was a great customer experience, and wishing more places provided that kind of service. I also started wondering if we’re doing enough to wow our own customers.

A Church Wows Seniors

I recently had a discussion with some friends about the different ways churches market themselves to visitors. During the conversation one of them told us about a church that decided to target more seniors in order to balance out the large number of youth.

To reach this market, the church designated a separate entrance to the church for seniors and provided valet parking. They also designated a separate lobby for seniors to make them comfortable – no young kids running around, bumping into them, or hitting their walkers and canes. The music during the worship service isn’t as loud on that side of the building, and the service always includes at least one traditional hymn.

Can you imagine how welcoming that must be to the seniors who visit that church? I’m not familiar with this church, but I would be willing to bet that they are seeing great success in attracting their target market.

Are you “Wowing” your target market?