Reputation beats price when dining out

2nd March 2009, 9:00am

Diners are more likely to choose a venue that has a good reputation for quality and good customer service rather than considering the price, according to a recent study conducted by Retail Eyes.

Surprisingly given the current economic climate, only 32.2% of participants in the survey were influenced by price driven aspects, like discounts, promotions and value meals.

Recession or not, customers have shown they will pay generously if there's the promise of outstanding attention and a pleasant experience while they are eating out.

Further research found that only 3.5% choose to go to venues purely because they are close to home and convenient to get to. The majority are happy to travel further afield if it means that when they arrive, they know they will be well taken care of.

Whether they're out for a drink or pub-grub, customers like and expect friendly greetings and goodbyes, acknowledgement by staff or even being asked if they have all they need. All these 'check-back' practices by staff hold significant weight with the pub-goers, and now we see it's no different in the restaurant sector.

Simon Boydell, marketing manager at Retail Eyes, explained: "The figures of our poll clearly indicate that the great British public still believes in paying for good quality dining experiences. Great service and food is what attracts us to restaurants, not just cheap prices. There's one group of people who is responsible for ensuring this and that's the staff who work on the front lines – not those back at head office.

"In the end when we start to tighten our belts financially, people tend to only spend on what they are confident and they'll think back to their last experience, or recommendations from friends and family when making these decisions – not just a one off bargain."

Related Articles:

• 21 Apr 2009 - Over 50% of consumers cut back on eating out
• 08 Apr 2009 - 69% of families opting for home-cooked meals over eating out
• 07 Mar 2009 - Cost reduction is top priority for food industry
• 04 Mar 2009 - Restaurant industry will return to growth in 2010
• 10 Feb 2009 - What are consumers' attitudes towards food?
• 04 Feb 2009 - Restaurants hit the hardest by the recession
• 13 Jan 2009 - Consumers eat out less but spend more

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