by Camelia Krausmann

Created on: August 31, 2009

Think about your business as a competition for the favors of the beauty queen. There are many pretenders, young or old, handsome or wealthy, wise or adventurous, famous or daring. You may have your own personality but you must stand out in the crowd.

In addition to their core business, the most successful companies gravitate around an unique set of values. These are often no more then customer related ethic practices, that are implemented daily, starting with the CEO to the most recent employee. Here are some basic business ethics:

1. Be in stock, be ready, be right. When you invite people to do business with you, you need to be prepared. This is a basic respect for your customers' time and money. Is nothing worse then advertising a big sale for a product and not having it on stock or all on the floor.

2. Give the customers your undivided attention when they ask for. Even when there is a line of people waiting to be served, you better take the time and help the customer you are at that moment. The others will appreciate because they want to be treated the same way. But be careful, don't overdo it as they don't like to be pushed to buy. They need to make their own decision so later they won't fell they were forced.

3. Be fair about your products and services. There's nothing worse then have the customers coming back to tell you that the qualities of the product are far lower then you told them.

4. Be knowledgeable. Point out some useful, new or unique things about the product or service you offer. Explain how the things are working even if the customer tells you he already knows. There's always some tips or tricks that only you and few others know.

5. Be informative. Try to research the competition for produce or prices. People will be happy when you save them a trip to the next store. As resources, you can use the adds, the competitors websites, or references from other customers.

6. If you sell furniture or appliances, always make sure that your customers are aware of your product sizes, type of energy it uses, other services that are available for purchase. And be aware that not all people are familiar with high technology so be nice and explain the basic of each function of the product.

7. Be considerate. If your product requires special parts or accessories, mention that to your customer to save them time and money. If your business doesn't sell them, have a list of places where that parts or accessories could be found and offer them a phone number, address, price and even offer to call to make sure they have them on stock.

8. Tell your customers about your return, exchange or cancellation policy. People usually overlook this information and search for it when is too late.

9. Customers are always right. That is OK even they aren't. It is important to listen to your customers complains or requests and try to meet their need somewhere in the middle. They will feel that they won a little victory and will come back knowing you understand them.

10. Don't let your customers leave without a smile. It is important to make your customers feel good about purchasing from you. Even if they don't buy anything just making them feel welcomed and important is essential for your business.

And last, as the customers took the time to stop by, don't forget to say 'Thank you'.

Learn more about this author, Camelia Krausmann.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.