"Customer service in Japan really good. People are very nice and polite. There was a very slight drizzle. They actually bother to even wrap my paper bag."
Yes. For those of you who have traveled to Japan, you've probably experienced top notch service everywhere you go in Japan.
Be it a small shop, a family owned business, a chain restaurant, departmental store, everywhere you go, you'll find that the staff are very attentive, proactive and helpful.
In fact, I had the same encounter she had when I went Japan.
I bought something from Takashimaya departmental store and while paying for my items, the staff had my stuff nicely packed in their signature paper bag. Then she covered the paper bag with a plastic wrap.
I was a little puzzled and asked why did she do that.
This was her answer.
"天気予報によると、今日は雨が降ります。”
The above sentence literally means that according to the weather forecast, it will rain today.
Wow. I'm impressed.
And true enough, it started to drizzle when I left the departmental store.
They even go to the extent to take note of the weather forecast and pre-empt problems that their customers are likely to encounter when they shopped at their departmental store.
While shopping for men's clothes at a boutique, the staff went all the way giving recommendations, taking measurement, arranging for alteration and fitting appointment and making sure someone will be there to serve us in case she is not working.
Even at their premium outlet, the staff was so considerate that she actually checked to see if the clothes I tried on fits me and going to and fro finding the right size for me to try without the need for me to go in and out of the fitting room.
And the staff actually carry the items you bought and walk with you all the way to the door before handing you your purchase, gives you a bow and saying "Arigatou."
This service has so impressive that it's being now copied all over the world, especially in branded boutiques. And not forgetting seeing staff lined up at entrance greeting customers when the shop opens. I heard this is even being copied by the libraries in Singapore.
How about your business?