By Alycia Shapiro
Is the only thing that keeps kids occupied in your lobby old magazines? Are you tired of hearing parents begging their children to calm down or be quiet while you're waiting for the doctor? Although the benefits of providing quality waiting room toys should be apparent to most business owners where children are present, more often than not there is nothing to entertain them. This can lead to stressful times in waiting areas for parents, other patients, and the staff.
That being said, we feel that the impact providing such a convenience may have on a business is worth mentioning. Here are the top reasons why waiting room toys are worth the investment.
Choose toys that are age appropriate. This may mean have a wide variety of options, but lieu on the side of a younger set. These can include colorful bead toys like the Ultimate Fleur Rollercoaster Play Table as well as fun wall toys like the Tic Tac Toe Wall Panel by Anatex Enterprises. For older kids, opt for things like videos, books, and magazines. That way you don't have toys lying around that may injure a younger child. That said, it is a good idea to choose things that can grow with a child; like sand tables or puzzles.
More repeat customers. Fact is world most of your patients or customers who have children will not return if they are left waiting with a screaming toddler for more than five minutes. This isn't to say that waiting isn't a necessary evil of life. The professional down the road also has a busy schedule, and his patients are waiting around just as long as yours are. But if he has a collection of games, activity play cubes, wall toys, bead toys and comfortable furniture that is tailored toward families with impatient children…guess where your patient will be headed next time.
You may also get more referrals from your existing customers if their experience with you is pleasant and with as little hassle as possible. Words tends to get around when a business is particularly progressive…meaning that they cater to the needs of working, over-stressed mothers and fathers and their equally cranky children.
Some of the places where waiting area toys work well are doctors offices, hospitals, car dealerships, check cashing stores, restaurants, mall rest areas, flower shops, banks, nail salons, daycares, and therapy clinics.
Cheap toys will not do. Some of the trusted brands that specialize in waiting area toys are Anatex, Playscapes, and Educo. Products include activity wall panels, bead tables, waiting area rugs, and "no loose part" lap toys.
A quick word on germs. We're all worried about spreading germs and getting others sick. This is especially an issue at places where a lot of kids congregate. Best practices for your waiting area toys & furniture are to clean them daily with warm soap and water and or a spritz of Fantastic or 409.
Providing your clients with good, safe, and stimulating waiting room toys is just a smart business investment. That said, you can't throw just any ole toys in your waiting room and expect the same results. There are few rules you should keep in mind when choosing appropriate waiting room toys.
For a fabulous selection of waiting area toys visit http://www.sensoryedge.com. You'll find activity wall panels, bead tables with no loose parts, and vinyl covered foam furniture that is easy to clean. SensoryEdge, keeping kids busy in lobbby's and parents smiling.
Source:www.isnare.com |
