Creating lasting impressions is what makes a loyal clientele, and the right indoor temperature surprisingly plays an important role in creating that pleasant experience that keeps them coming back. So, if you think working with a reliable commercial air conditioning company is just part of doing business, think again. Their contribution to making your business premises comfortable all year round is key to boosting client retention. 

Understanding the link between temperature and customer behaviour 

Did you know that indoor temperature not only affects what you physically feel, but also your mental and emotional state? More importantly, it can't influence purchasing decisions. 

• Study shows that temperatures that are too high (above 30°C) or too low (below 18°C) can have a negative impact on brain functions. It's best to keep the temperature around 22°C. 
• Extreme temperatures can make a customer feel uncomfortable and irritated, which may prompt them to abandon a shop or have a negative shopping experience.
• Thermal discomfort has also been shown to cause stress and keep people from staying too long in one place. If they experience a similar thing the next time they visit, they won't return at all.

Comfort equates to positive perceptions 

As previously mentioned, indoor temperature can impact a customer's purchasing behaviour and emotional response. In addition to understanding energy use patterns by season, know what temperature feels inviting for clients. 

• Research suggests that a warmer yet comfortable temperature creates that feeling of social closeness, which drives the willingness to buy products. 
• Participants of an experiment also revealed that they're more willing to pay higher prices when exposed to warmer temperatures. 
• Product perception is also influenced by physical warmth, which creates trust and interpersonal closeness. This is why customers are more engaged with staff, creating an overall positive experience that leads to a purchase and possible repeat visits. 

Comfort directly impacts client satisfaction 

What the customer feels the moment they step into a store sets the tone for their overall experience. You want a store known for the best customer service, not the opposite.

• If the temperature is too hot or cold, they're likely to leave right away rather than peruse any of your products or ask about your services. 
• When discomfort is out of the equation, customers would focus more on what you're offering, providing you with an opportunity to sell and close a deal.
• People always remember how your business makes them feel. If your business premises feel inviting each time, you can easily build trust and relationships among clients. 

Longer stays often lead to more sales 

People tend to spend more time in your space if they feel physically comfortable. This leaves plenty of room for you to connect and establish trust and loyalty that allow you to upsell without appearing intrusive.

• When clients feel comfortable, they spend a longer time browsing through products and asking about the services offered. 
• In the hospitality sector, guests tend to order more food and drinks and linger when they enjoy the ambience. 
• In offices and corporate settings, a comfortable environment makes clients more patient, tolerant and open. 

There are many factors that affect client retention, and while often overlooked, indoor temperature can spell the difference between a successful or failed deal. If you need help creating the right indoor temperature for your clients and employees, partner with Fern Air, a company specialising in residential and commercial air conditioning systems.