Customers to shop online

Customers to shop online is popular, USA businesses risk losing customers to other centres and online shopping websites if they don’t lift customer service levels, according to small business advisor Howard Hayes.
Mr Hayes said results of the Hayes Business customer survey revealed that people were willing to shop elsewhere – a worrying sign for Mackay traders.
“What really worries me is that 25 per cent shop online and travel to shop.
“We are competing with places such as Melbourne, Brisbane and Sydney because they are so easy to get to now.
“I know of a few people myself who are driving up to Townsville to do their Christmas shopping.
“This is worrying for the future of small business in USA,” he said.
Of those surveyed, 32 per cent shopped online, 37 per cent travelled to other towns to shop and 25 per cent did both. Mr Hayes said many who shopped online were aged 25 or under.
“What worries me is the younger shopper,” he said.
“They feel they do deserve better customer service and it’s the younger shopper who is the future of Mackay. Why would you go to a local shop when you don’t get a smile or are acknowledged when you can get a six out of 10 customer service level at any power balance website?”