Why Cleanliness Matters to Consumers

While the saying might be “Don’t judge a book by its cover”, this doesn’t hold truth for consumers and businesses. As consumers, we make snap judgements about the businesses we see. We look at how they present themselves, including their branding but also their general cleanliness.

In current times, it’s unsurprising that cleanliness has become even more important for consumers and their overall customer experience. But how exactly does cleanliness affect your business and what can you do? 

Why Cleanliness Matters for Businesses

• First impressions
  
  
  As noted above, cleanliness is integral to a good first impression. A messy business is less likely to have customers, particularly vital repeat customers. Whereas, a clean business will draw in more customers and repeat customers. 
  
  
• Legal implications
  
  
  For everyone’s safety, different businesses must follow safety regulations. This includes the safe preparation of food and hygiene practices. If these regulations aren’t met, businesses may be fined, and customers may be hurt or made unwell.
  
  
  For instance, a restaurant that does not safely prepare food may unwittingly give a customer food poisoning. If this then becomes public knowledge, the restaurant would likely have a downturn in business and may even have to close. 
  
  
• Current pandemic
  
  
  Additionally, as a result of the current pandemic, many customers will not feel safe visiting a business that is not expressly hygienic. This includes being visibly clean but also follow recommended virus-prevention strategies, like social distancing, and staff and other customers wearing face masks and using hand sanitiser. 

What are the benefits of a clean business?

• Improved sales
  
  
  A clean business will stand out from their competitors who do not meet new hygiene standards. Clean and organised premises also set the tone of the customer experience as soon as shopper steps into a store. Besides new products, consumers look for experiences that engage and please them. Once your customers are drawn in by the cleanliness of your space, then you’ve won as they will more likely buy from you than competitors.
  
  
• Repeat customers
  
  
  Along with improved sales, you can expect to see this translating into repeat customers. While it may require more work to invest in a clean business, it will pay off when you gain repeat business. This will also likely transpire into gained customers as well, as repeat customers recommend your business to their friends and relatives. 
  
  
  No matter how big or small your business, it’s important to foster this relationship with customers in order to get repeat business.
  
  
• Improved overall opinion of business
  
  
  Feeding this repeat business and new customers, you’ll find that all your customers have an improved opinion of your business. A clean business doesn’t only mean that you value customers’ safety, but it also signifies a level of professionalism and enhances your brand.
  
  
• Customers overlook other issues
  
  
  As part of this improved overall opinion of your business, customers will likely overlook other issues in your business. This may include slow service in a restaurant or a mix-up in rooms at a hotel. You don’t need the best of everything to have a great and profitable business, what matters more is keeping it clean. 

What does cleanliness look like?

While cleanliness looks different in every business, there are some general rules of thumb.

• Clean floors, walls and windows: When stepping into your business, customers should not see noticeable marks or dirt on any floors, walls and windows. These should be cleaned regularly.
  
  
• Clean bathrooms: A clean bathroom is important for retaining customers as many have stated they will not return to a place where the bathroom isn’t clean. The bathroom should be visibly clean and dry, with no rubbish, debris or dirt.
  
  
• No spills: While spills can’t be entirely avoided in many businesses, if they do happen, they should be cleaned up immediately. It can be a good idea to inform staff of a standard process for cleaning up spills, including a time limit. 
  
  
• Neat and tidy: Avoid clutter and rubbish so that customers can easily access services and products. Clutter and standing rubbish can also make a place seem dirty when it is otherwise clean. 
  
  
• Sanitisers and rubbish bins available:Hand sanitiser and rubbish bins should be available so customers can do their part to keep your business clean, as well as looking after themselves while in public.
  
  
• Workers have good personal hygiene:Just as your business needs to be clean, your employees should also have a high level of personal hygiene. This may also include strategies for reducing contamination as they work, like wearing gloves or masks or tying hair back.

Many of the above cleaning tasks can be done by employees but it is often better to invest in commercial cleaning services. These commercial cleaners will have the knowledge and resources to make your business as clean as possible and will likely be far more successful at it than your employees who also have to manage other duties.

Every little thing counts!

As you strive to operate a profitable business, you need remember how cleanliness can have a big impact on your business’ survival. Keep the place clean and you’ll see how it changes your customers’ opinions, as well as drawing more in.