In a perfect world there wouldn't have to be a strategy other than sell, sell, sell during the holidays. Those days have quickly left us. So now what do you do?
*Do you throw a lavish party for your best clients? How do you determine they are the best? Do you actually run the numbers and figure out who reaps you the highest net sales throughout the year? You might be really surprised by the numbers. I sure was.
*It seems the most important customer that we need to put the most energy into earning ALL of there repeat business, is the slow and steady one. Hare vs. the tortoise seems to still win. Those customers that frequent your store all the time from battery changes, to repairs, engravings, graduation gifts, and then 50 different presents for everyone in their life at Christmas. You earned their loyalty and trust by always having what they needed and giving it to them with a smile.
*Start making those offers of staying late to have it work better with their schedule.
*Start pushing those home deliveries-they are worth their weight in gold.
*All of this highly personalized service will buy you priceless amounts of free advertising.
*Last but not least:
Presentation is everything! You do not have to spend a fortune on boxes and bows to make your product rise above the competition. Dollar stores carry a wide selection of gift bags, tissue paper, and note cards. Take those and make them yours. Stamps, ribbons, beautiful paper, etc...You can even take the most inexpensive cards and personalize the inside of the envelope with beautiful paper.
Please try www.papersource.com for some incredible ideas.
P.S. Always send a thank you card, hand written in bold ink, that is personalized to that customer. If you are able, send them a little gift certificate as well.
Hand written notes are invaluable to your business. ***FYI***If the gift is going to be presented at a later date, please ask when, so you don't send it too EARLY!!!
Going into Sept. is more about grooming your customers for the coming months vs. meeting with all the rabid vendors! Without your customers-you can't pay for the vendor!
For the next blog, write down your 10 best ADVOCATES of your store. These might not be the biggest spenders: these are the people who will tell everyone they meet how wonderful you are. These are the people who drag visiting relatives to the store just so you can meet them! Celebrate these gifts! You cannot put a price tag on the pure joy that they want to spread that is all about you. Put these people down in writing so you can start focusing!
ASK ME QUESTIONS!
Happy days,
Kelly
Sunday, August 24, 2008
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