A polite 'good morning', delivered with a smile, is the preference of most customers who say that a little friendly formality goes a long way, according to a recent survey.

Standard Life Healthcare quizzed respondents for the survey and found that the more casual 'hi' is failing to win points with consumers, with just one in ten preferring that as a greeting.

Moving into top position in the popularity stakes is 'good morning' – 68% put this in the number one slot of preferred greetings, while 22% liked 'hello'.

But saying good morning is no good if it is delivered with a sour face – 68% went as far as to say that they can tell if the person saying it is smiling or not.

Over half said they prefer to be referred to with their title and surname – women were fussier in this regard (59%) than men (47%). Surprisingly just 36% said they liked to be called by their first name, although this is more acceptable in the younger age group.

The survey also found that more than half of people under the age of 35 would like to be able to text enquiries to suppliers and receive replies by text.