Patron-averse

Patron-averse describes a business, organization, or individual that exhibits a marked dislike or avoidance of patrons, clients, or customers. This aversion can manifest in various ways, including a lack of customer service, inconvenient business practices, high prices, exclusionary policies, or an overall atmosphere that discourages interaction or patronage. This can be a conscious strategy to limit clientele, often aimed at targeting specific demographic groups or prioritizing efficiency over customer satisfaction. However, it can also arise from incompetence or neglect, damaging a reputation.

Patron-averse meaning with examples

• The exclusive art gallery was notoriously patron-averse, with its intimidating staff and strict entry policies, deterring potential buyers and cultivating an air of elitism. Visitors often felt unwelcome, resulting in decreased foot traffic and sales. The owner's primary interest was protecting the art, not engaging in a more welcoming service.
• The online retailer, known for its labyrinthine returns process and unresponsive customer service, was widely considered patron-averse. Frustrated customers routinely shared stories of delayed responses and difficult troubleshooting. The resulting bad reviews likely stunted sales.
• The software company's subscription model, offering complex packages with confusing pricing tiers and limited customer support, was perceived as being patron-averse, driving users away to its more user-friendly competitors. Customers felt ignored.
• The restaurant, popular for its incredible food, had earned a reputation for being patron-averse with its slow service, crowded seating, and limited interaction with diners. The business was thriving despite bad customer satisfaction scores.