Relative Importance of Different Elements of Customer Value


Some elements are more important than others like quality

“…After quality, the critical elements depend on the industry. In food and beverages, sensory appeal, not surprisingly, runs a close second. In consumer banking provides access and heirloom (a good investment for future generations) are the elements that matter; in fact, heirloom is crucial in financial services generally, because of the connection between money and inheritance. The broad appeal of smartphones stems from how they deliver multiple elements, including reduces effort, saves time, connects, integrates, variety, fun/entertainment, provides access, and organizes. Manufacturers of these products—Apple, Samsung, and LG—got some of the highest value ratings across all companies studied…”

Eric Almquist et al, 2016

Which Elements Are Most Important?

What customers value in products varies by industry; here are the top 5 elements influencing loyalty for 10 types of businesses.

Type of Business

Elements (5 most important)

1. Apparel Retail

  • Quality
  • Variety
  • Avoids hassles
  • Design/Aesthetics
  • Saves time

2. Discount Retail

  • Quality
  • Variety
  • Reduces cost
  • Saves time
  • Rewards me

3. Grocery

  • Quality
  • Variety
  • Sensory appeal
  • Reduces cost
  • Rewards me

4.Food and Beverages

  • Quality
  • Sensory appeal
  • Variety
  • Design/Aesthetics
  • Therapeutic value

5.Smartphones

  • Quality
  • Reduces effort
  • Variety
  • Organizes
  • Connects

6.TV Service Providers

  • Quality
  • Variety
  • Reduces cost
  • Design/Aesthetics
  • Fun/Entertainment

7.Consumer Banking

  • Quality
  • Provides access
  • Heirloom
  • Avoids hassles
  • Reduces anxiety

8. Brokerage

  • Quality
  • Makes money
  • Heirloom
  • Variety
  • Provides access

9. Auto Insurance

  • Quality
  • Reduces anxiety
  • Reduces cost
  • Provides access
  • Variety

10. Credit Cards

  • Quality
  • Rewards me
  • Heirloom
  • Avoids hassles
  • Provides access


(source: Eric Almquist et al, 2016)

Search For Answers

© 2008 - 2025 Bill Synnot and Associates
Registered - All Rights Reserved
Designed by: FineIT

BSA Chat Assistant