by Crystal Patterson

Created on: June 28, 2010   Last Updated: June 29, 2010

Generating repeat customers is the butter on the bread.  That loyalty can keep a business thriving.  To keep customers coming back companies need to pride themselves on providing excellent customer service.  Proper training to employees is vital.  Customers must feel sales people are listening to their needs.  They must feel that you are there for them and will sand by them for their purchasing needs.  Suggestive selling is a plus but, know when to back off.  No one likes too pushy sales people.  It's a turn off.  a potential loss of a sale. 

First of all the environment needs to be appealing ,clean, and comfortable for the customers.  may I stress how important that is even down to the bathrooms.  We want customers to feel a welcoming environment that says we do care.  Sales persons need to be clean ,friendly, and professional.  They also, must be able to put on a smile even when they are having a bad day.  Customers sense your moods and willingness to help.  They sense if you are growing impatient with them.

A lot of times customers have a problem with a product or service. it is often hard for them to get the same attention after the sale is made.  Customers strongly resent this.  you must be willing to correct situations even after a sale is complete.  Think of it as this person is your walking reputation.  People talk to people about issues from companies they feel cheated them or either treated them well.  Make sure that word of mouth is good or if not know you have tried all means necessary to correct the situation. 

Often times thank you letters in the mail adds to professionalism and thoughtfulness as a human in general.  People really think how nice it is that you thanked them in a way most people don't expect.  That will keep a good image of you in their minds.  If a customer has a happy buying experience they are more likely to return to you whom they trust before someone else.  I also suggest keeping those people on a mailing list offering them valuable coupons so that they do not stray to other offers.  Let's face it.  It is a very competitive market out there.  It is vital you give your best every day in every way possible.  Stay on top of your competition, because where you lack, another company will see and pick up on that as an advantage.

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