We've talked a lot about customer appreciation and ways to keep your customers coming back. Most of our tips were simple, but they still came with a price tag attached. Today, we're back with a suggestion that won't cost you a dime. Keep reading to learn more about how Stockpile easy inventory management system can help.
In the past we've talked about ways to make your business a destination, instead of just one more errand that your customers have to run. Anytime you can make people want to frequent your business is a win for you. There are lots of ways to encourage customers to return. We've covered several of them in the past like promotions, giveaways, and special events. Our tip today is even easier. Recognize your customers. We don't mean with a plaque or a certificate, we literally mean recognizing them when they walk through the door.
Think about it for a minute. When you see someone you know, it usually makes you happy. When someone smiles and greets you with a friendly wave or a cheerful hello, you probably smile back. Greeting customers in a upbeat positive manner is just good business. Taking it a step further and remembering previous customers can provide any more benefits. People like to be remembered. It makes them feel just a little bit special. If you seem happy to see them and remember their name from the last time they were in, that feeling increases.
Step one is to engage each and every customer who comes in your business in a short conversation. If you introduce yourself they will likely respond in kind. Now you know their name. Find out what brought them in and what you can do to help them. Whether they make a purchase or not try to jot some quick notes after they leave so that you will have them for future reference.
If you greet them by name the next time they come in, they will probably be very pleasantly surprised. If you're able to go a step further and reference what brought them in last time they may be absolutely shocked, especially if they didn't buy much, if anything, the last time they stopped by. What you are really saying to that customer is "Regardless of what you spend, you are an important customer and we are happy you're here." Who wouldn't want to feel that way?
During your second interaction you may learn more about your customer and their needs. As they start to feel more comfortable they may share details about their personal life. You don't want to pry, but if they offer up additional insights make note of those as well. Most people like to be asked about their families. Parents and grandparents especially love to have a chance to brag about their offspring's accomplishments. Striking up a conversation that provides an opportunity for them to just that can lead to more time spent in your business and we all know the longer you spend browsing, the more you are likely to buy.
After awhile, if you continue to have positive interactions with your customers they may start to see your business as a destination. If they're in the neighborhood, they may stop in just to say hi and catch up with you. You start to feel more like a friend than a source of whatever good or service you sell. Creating that relationship will pay off immensely in the long run. Not only will your customer return more often than is strictly necessary, you can be sure they will give your business a glowing recommendation when they are speaking with friends and family. Even better, if they do experience an issue with your business down the road they will be more likely to be understanding because they feel as though they have a relationship with you.
Business Tips of the Day: Treat Your Customers Well & Use Stockpile Easy Inventory Management System
It's good to form bonds with your customers. Remembering their names and interests is a free, easy way to encourage their loyalty and keep them coming back time and time again. Looking for other free ways to improve your business? Stockpile is the perfect inventory management solution for you. With Stockpile easy inventory management system it's easy to track inventory within a single location, or across multiple locations. Thanks to areas and locations you can pinpoint where items are stored so that they are always easy to locate. Adding item records is quick and easy because you choose which fields to include. Plus, Stockpile is mobile compatible so you can access critical inventory data anytime, from anywhere. Need to run reports? Stockpile easy inventory management system makes that easy as well. What are you waiting for? Try Stockpile today!
