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Let’s face it when thinking about the mindset of customers, you’ll be aware that no one likes waiting. However, it is inevitable that customers will have to wait at some point. If they must then it is important that you make their experience as pleasant as possible. Not only must your staff be well versed in customer service but you should also create a comfortable waiting environment.
Your waiting area will say a lot about your company, what you do and the type of service you offer. You want to make the area tasteful while not going over budget and too extravagant. As you design the space there are some design aspects that you should keep in mind.
8 Tips To Design The Perfect Waiting Room
Designing your reception area takes some care and thought. Things like design, furniture, decor can determine the flow and feel of your waiting area and can have an effect on your client’s mood. If you’re working with a small or irregular-shaped space you may want to consider using modular reception seating which can be picked to suit and fit your space. Your seating should be comfortable especially if you’re in a medical office as wait times can go from 20 minutes to an hour.
1. Consider The Amount Of Persons You’ll Receive In Day
You want to think about the number of people you see in a day. How are they coming in and out? Are the areas marked clearly? There is nothing more off-putting than going into a place and not knowing where to go. Make sure that you have a smooth process from they walk in until they leave. You want to make sure that your space is open and inviting and things are clear without having to be specifically directed.
2. Choose The Right Furniture For The Space
It’s important that you choose the right furniture for your space. You have to be careful in this aspect. You don’t want to put in furniture that doesn’t suit the space. You have to consider size, shape, and color. You also want to make sure that it fits the feel of your brand. Furniture should also serve the purpose of being comfortable, practical, while still being functional. In terms of setting you to want something that is easy to clean. It should also handle stains and everyday wear and tear. You don’t want to find yourself having to constantly purchase no future your should make sure that it is of good quality and able to handle constant use.
3. How Much Seating Do You Need
This is another important point to consider. You need to make sure you have enough seating to cover the number of people you normally have in the waiting area at a time. If you are a company that houses different representatives you may have more than the average influx. Think about this carefully and plan accordingly. Make sure that you also have seating in numbers to allow for small groups to sit together. Customers will quickly become irritated and leave if they have to stand and wait for a long time. Make sure that you do your best to accommodate them.
4. Choose Colors Thoughtfully
The colors of the walls, to the future, to the decor, can all have a direct effect on the way customers feel. Think carefully about the atmosphere you want to create. For the most part, you’ll want to use your company colors. However, they may not create the exact feeling of harmony that you want in your space. You can choose complementary colors that work well in your reception space and have the company logo on the wall as the pop of color or design. If your space is meant to be upbeat and fun you can get away with dabbling in more colors and different designs.
5. Think About The Decor
Decor also matters in the overall feel that you’re trying to achieve. Some office spaces have aquariums in their waiting rooms. Others have fancy mirrors and vases. Again it is a part of feeling. You’ll choose these things based on your clientele. If you’re in a spa space you’re waiting for the area will be more zen and relaxed. If you’re operating a dentist’s office you want things to be relaxed and inviting so as to put your patients at ease for the treatment. These are all things to consider when picking out your decor.
6. Think About The Type Of Lighting You’ll Need
Lighting is important. It helps to set the mood. If it is too bright your customers may become on edge. If it is too low they can easily get bored. Try different types of chandeliers and other styles of hang lighting to add a touch of elegance and class to space.
7. Hire A Designer
You may also want to consider hiring a designer to help in the process. If you don’t have the eye for it or you are too busy having someone else to on the workload also helps. A designer is trained to pick the best types of future, colors, and concepts to go together to create harmony for space. Look for reviews and other commentaries to help you find the right person for the job.
8. Use Programs To Give You A Visual
If you don’t want to hire a designer you can also go the route of using free or paid software and programs to help you create a visual layout. This will make things clearer for you and give you a better idea of what the final product will look like. You can also make as many changes to this as your like without having to worry about paying extra fees to accommodate your wishes.
Whether you’re creating the waiting area by yourself or working with a designer you should always consider the comfort of your customers. You should also think about how you want o present yourself to the public. The first thing they will see is your reception and waiting area. You want to express your brand as a company and what you stand for in the space. Make it inviting and relaxed. You want to help ease your customer’s anxiety of having to wait by putting them in a comforting space. People respond to color and feel, so these should be among your top priority when putting everything together.