Bakeware, Bread Makers & Bakery Supplies

One of the biggest mistakes a company can make is to invest most of their marketing efforts to attract new customers and ignoring previous clients. His current and past clients are the foundation of your business, because without them, your business would not exist. It also costs more to acquire a new customer than it costs to generate business of an existing customer.

Showing appreciation for your customers can establish that, apart from its competitors, increase loyalty, improve retention, inspire sales and even build relationships that last a lifetime. Reach customers is also an opportunity to remind you that your business exists. Effective Marketing based on repeated exposure and appreciation it shows is an economical and efficient way to keep marketing the wheels in motion.

A note of caution: some companies and industries have strict guidelines about accepting gifts. This is especially true of professionals in the media and government workers. Gifts can be interpreted as bribes in doubt, ask your customers if such a policy exists, or adhere to send items with no monetary value.

Next are the strategies of customer appreciation that can help grow customer retention.

1. Greeting Cards

The Guinness Book of Records lists Joe Girard, a car salesman from Detroit, type of best in the world. Girard earned the honor by selling 18 cars in one day. One of his secrets for success is sending 12 cards per year for each customer and perspective. There are dozens of minor and major festivals throughout the year and each provides a great reason to send a card.

2. Personal Notes

Reflective and unexpected notes of thanks can be sent after client appointments, following a purchase or when a customer has done nothing deserves some appreciation. While sending an e-mail can be quick and easy, you will make a better impression by sending a notice in the mail.

3. Invitations

While it is important to recognize all of its customers is equally important to pay attention extra to their main customers. Spending time together outside the office gives you the opportunity to cultivate the relationship to know each other better (in the world of sales, this is called "face time"). Consider inviting your contacts up to lunches, dinners, sporting events, charity functions or other events where you can spend time together.

4. Small gifts

Flowers, books, a cup filled with candy and other items sign can make thoughtful gifts for guests. These can be sent on special occasions like birthdays, holidays or anniversaries, or can be sent by any other reason to show his gratitude.

5. Food

Everyone loves food. Consider sending from your local bakery cakes, gift cards for items or places that your customers can enjoy themselves may have an additional benefit: they will think of you when comes time to redeem gift! Options include cafes, restaurants, cinemas, bookstores, office or anything else your customers would appreciate. For even more mileage, consider partnering with another company and send the other gift cards.

7. Rewards by reference

The highest compliment you can receive is a referral to your business. This gesture deserves recognition as a thank you note, off services or gift card. Always acknowledge when a client sends business their way.

8. Reverse References

If your customers are business owners, finding ways to refer business to them. This is an unexpected gesture that is sure to set you apart.

9. Customer Appreciation Days

Designate one or more days a year to hold their customers. You can offer a customer only secret promotional sale, giving away food if you have a physical location or provide a special bonus to your mailing list.

10. The Gift of Information

Ebooks, reports, books, videos and other information products can make great gifts. For example, a list of helpful hints that their customers will appreciate and either delivered via e-mail in a PDF document or publish it in electronic format or manually by hand.

11. Host events

Host a party or open house at the office or restaurant. If your customers are geographically dispersed, you can hold a virtual event, inviting them to participate in free seminars online.

12. Life Events

If you know your client is married, having a baby, promote or take another major event life, sending an acknowledgment, even if it is a simple card. Your gesture will be missed.

About the Author:

Stephanie Chandler is a speaker and the author of several business and marketing books including FROM ENTREPRENEUR TO INFOPRENEUR: MAKE MONEY WITH BOOKS, E-BOOKS AND INFORMATION PRODUCTS. For small business resources and tips for growing your business, visit http://BusinessInfoGuide.com and sign up for the monthly newsletter

Article Source: ArticlesBase.com – 12 Ways to Thank Your Customers: Client Appreciation Strategies You Can Use Year-round

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