A little appreciation can go a long way with customers. When was the last time someone showed they appreciated you? Do you remember how it made you feel? From a simple “thank you” to a small gesture, showing appreciation is a way of saying that you care. While is this common in our personal lives and often in our professional lives, in these modern times it is often missing from our retail experience. Knowing retailers appreciate business makes customers want to return. Showing customer appreciation doesn’t have to break the bank either. Read on for some great tips on how to show customers you are grateful for their business.

Educate Your Staff on Manners

Often retailers will train their employee on opening procedures, running the register, completing returns and the like. How exactly do you want customers treated, though? It is important to remember that not everyone knows the importance of good manners. Don’t assume! Be very specific on the greeting you want employees to use when a customer enters the store. The same goes for the point of sale, as well as the closing. Using phrases such as, “thank you so much for your business, please come again,” communicates that their patronage is appreciated. Sometimes it can be difficult for new or younger employees to feel comfortable using the phrases provided, especially using the correct enthusiasm. Play acting as customer and employee with a group of staff members can help. This allows you to model the phrases and behavior you would like them to use.

Frequent Buyer Programs

These types of programs are often seen in coffee shops, restaurants and niche retailers; however, they may also work for your business. Giving the customer a “reward” for shopping at your business makes them feel appreciated and provides an incentive. A frequent buyer program can be easy to establish either through a POS system or through old fashion punch cards. Either option is easy enough to implement. A reward can be minimal, for instance BOGO half off coupon when they fill their card. Making sure your staff is aware of any promotions and that they are offering them to customers at the point of sale is crucial for a successful frequent buyer program.

Social Media Madness

Social media is a fantastic way to show customer appreciation, with a very little cost to you. Social media allows businesses to interact with customers in a public forum. That gives you a huge opportunity to give praise, compliment, and thank individual customers. Social media also is any easy place to feature giveaways, contests, promote upcoming sales and respond directly to any negative comments. Don’t get bogged down by the plethora of platforms now available. Find one or two that have the most to offer your business and build up your following. People are always looking for validation or any kind, and social media is perfect place to validate customer’s comments with your own interest in what they have to say.

Say Thanks!

This sounds basic, but it is something so many business owners forget to do. There are a number of different places and ways to say “thank you.” From directly thanking your customers for stopping in, to packing their goods in bags printed with thank you, to thanking customers for their support on social media. “Thank you” can go so much further, though. Fully immersing your business in the events and affairs of your community is a great way to show thanks. Sponsor a soccer or little league team; supply the bananas and water at the end of a charity race; work to better your community by encouraging employees to volunteer with town beautification events. All of these types of activities show customers that you appreciate them on an individual level and as a community. Civic responsibility can go a long way in supporting your bottom line.

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