A comfortable reception area can set your garage apart and help you deliver an exceptional customer experience. It provides a good first impression and reassures drivers that their car is in safe hands.
The better a customer's experience at your garage, the more likely they are to return and leave a positive review. With that in mind, here are our tips for creating a comfortable reception area on a budget.
What should an ideal reception area include?
- Somewhere comfortable to sit
- A heater
- A desk for the receptionist
- A table with stationary for filling out forms
- Information about your garage and any qualifications/awards it has earned
- Books or magazines to read while waiting
- WiFi
Although it won’t be possible for every workshop, offering customers some form of refreshment in the reception area can be a nice extra touch. You could also provide information about local transport links for drivers whose cars are in the garage for longer periods.
Where to get cheap furniture for your reception area
The biggest costs when setting up a reception area come from the furniture. Buying a brand new sofa, desk, and chairs isn’t cheap. But if you look for second-hand furniture instead, you could save a significant amount of money.
Facebook Marketplace
Facebook Marketplace is hands down one of the best places to buy used furniture. You can get good quality pieces for relatively cheap, and some people even give away items for free that they no longer need.
Charity shops
Have a look around your local charity shops. You'll often find smaller items like chairs and desks at a reasonable price. You'll also have the bonus of knowing you've helped a charitable cause.
Online marketplaces
eBay, Preloved and Gumtree are worth checking out. You might be able to bag a good deal if you find a local seller or don’t mind travelling to pick up an item.
Other tips for working with a small budget
Opt for energy-efficient lighting
Natural light is the cheapest option of them all. But if you need to rely on artificial lights, choose LEDs as they are more efficient and will save money on your energy bill.
Get some plants
Adding a few potted plants to your reception area is a cheap way of decorating and can give the space a calming, inviting atmosphere.
Frame certificates and awards
You don’t have to spend much money decorating your reception area. Framing certificates, qualifications and awards is a cheap and effective way of adding decoration while providing drivers with more information about your business and employees. You could also display the logos of any networks you are a member of, such as the RAC. This is the perfect opportunity to build customer confidence.
Three things to remember
Here are the three most important things to remember when setting up your reception area.
- Make an excellent first impression with the entrance
- Provide amenities and somewhere comfortable to sit
- Keep the waiting room away from your service bays for safety