Many experts agree that every business is service-oriented. Even if your commercial venture is involved with the sale of products, you will still have to deal with your customers. You will still have to ensure that they are satisfied, not only with the products that you will deliver, but also in the way that you will conduct business with them.
Making them happy is a form of service, hence the maxim propounded above: that every business is, indeed, service-oriented.
Ensuring the satisfaction of your customers should be one of the primary concerns of any business. The reason is as simple as it is apparent: the bulk of your sales will come from repeat customers. A happy customer is a customer who is more likely to come back.
How do you ensure quality service to your customers? Here are 5 proven methods that will guarantee satisfied customers for your business.
1. Truthful marketing. Believe it or not, quality service starts way before you win a sale. Quality service actually begins the moment you formulate a marketing plan. The most tempting marketing approach is to promise the moon and the stars to your prospective customers. Hype creates buzz, after all, and buzz leads to sales. However, when promoting your product, honesty is still the best policy. Do not promise something that is not true because the moment your customers realize that you’re lying to them, your credibility will take a severe hit. In the world of business, reputation is everything.
2. Over-delivering. Promise little, deliver more. This is the adage that many businessmen adhere to, and it is a policy that works. Deliver unannounced bonuses that will jack up the value of the package they bought. Add some exclusive memberships with their purchases. Pamper them with fantastic post-sales service that will make them remember your business and your brand. Give them more than what they paid for and they will be happy to purchase from you again.
3. Offering responsive post-sales support. One of the major worries of consumer is purchasing a product that doesn’t work. A secondary concern? Purchasing a product that’s too complicated for them to use. Offering a customer support system that will take care of these and other post-sales issues will greatly alleviate the worries of your customers, making them likelier to trust your business, and making them happier and more satisfied members of your clientele. Your post-sales support system should address issues ranging from simple FAQs, to technical support, to queries about refunds, returns and exchange policies.
4. Rewarding loyalty. Often, it is not enough to convince your customers that they made the right choice in trusting your business. It is usually necessary to make them know that you appreciate the trust they have given. What better way to show this than by rewarding their loyalty. Offer discounts for your future offers in the form of coupons or special web pages exclusive for them. Provide them with freebies as a sign of your appreciation. Contact them from time to time to make them realize that they’re never forgotten. Doing these will not only retain their trust. You may be able to win their friendship as well. And any marketer will tell you, a friend is a sure (repeat) customer.
5. Open communication. Make sure that the communication lines between you and your customers are always open. Assure them that they can reach you anytime for concerns that your post-sales support system cannot handle.
Debra Freligh is a well-known Marketing expert and the owner of DMF Media:
Head over to her Website and finally discover your success http://www.dmfmedia.com Your Chance Has Finally Arrived!
