In a study commissioned by MarketingSherpa, the internet’s leading online business research group, way back in 2005, it was revealed that more than 60% of a commercial enterprise’s sales come from repeat customers, at the average. This statistic is quite telling. It means that the sales cycle, as it pertains to a particular individual, does not end when that individual makes a purchase. No, Sir, it does not! In fact, the sales cycle merely begins as soon as that individual initiates his very first purchase. There is a psychological principle behind this phenomenon of repeat sales. The World Wide Web is littered with distrust, what with the level of anonymity prevalent in its many avenues. It is hard to win a prospect’s trust. Likewise, it is hard for a prospect to trust a business. However, when the business manages to win the prospect’s trust, and when the prospect decides to invest some faith on the business, the prospect will develop a certain level of loyalty based on convenience. After all, why should he take a risk on other businesses when he is already assured of the trustworthiness of a particular one? Hence, it is absolutely important to ensure that each and every customer that decides to trust our respective businesses will be satisfied with us. If we are to achieve success, and more importantly if we are to sustain such success, then we will need the sales that will come from repeat customers. Looking after your customers is an essential business strategy. Below are 5 ways by which you can ensure customer satisfaction: 1. Prepare a quality product that they will be happy about. Believe it or not, customer satisfaction begins way before you start selling anything. Ensure that you will sell a product that you yourself will be proud of. This product should be of the highest quality you can provide. There should be no shortcuts. There should be no comprises. Your customers will deserve nothing less. 2. Implement a marketing campaign based on honesty. If you promise only the things you can deliver, there shouldn’t be any problems caused by unmet expectations. Being forthright with your prospects is a better policy than creating false hype just to stir up some buzz for your offer. Remember, your goal is to build lasting relationships with your customers. And the foundation of every good relationship is trust. Trust can only be achieved by practicing honesty. 3. Strive to over-deliver. Give your customers more than what they paid for and they will feel that trusting your business is a good investment for them. Parting with their hard earned money is never an easy thing for them. Giving them more than what they’re expecting will make them feel better about it. 4. Provide a responsible and responsive post-sales support system. Most people cite post-sales issues as one of their primary concerns when pondering on whether or not to but a particular product. Quell their fears by providing an excellent post-sales support system that will take care of their questions about their purchases, ensure technical support for the same, and act as a repository of the customers’ suggestions about the product. 5. Keep in touch. Out of sight, out of mind, remember? Establish a follow-up system that will allow you to reach your customers from time to time. Not only will they be able to remember you with your follow-ups, this approach will also help you establish a great relationship with the people who are most likely to purchase from you once more. 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!
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