Disclaimer: The content of these articles is to be used as a general guide only. Professional advice should be sought before taking any action relating to the points discussed in these articles.

DOING THINGS FOR FREE

  One of the best ways to maintain customers is to give them something for nothing. This will create a positive impression of your business and will be remembered by your customers long after the price has been forgotten.
  Your aim here is to surprise your customers by exceeding their expectations. To impress your customers you need to do something that is unexpected. Your choices here are endless. You can provide a free gift, free information, additional services — in fact, anything that is appropriate for your business.
  What you can do for your customers does depend to a large extent on the value of the goods or services you provide. However, every business has the ability to do something for free. My local pizza shop, in recognising I am a fairly regular customer, once gave me a free garlic bread with my pizza. It wasn't an expensive gesture, but it was one I remember and it certainly helped in improving the long term sales of that business. 

This article is reprinted from Rentons' Business Tips No. 10
© Copyright February 2001 ACS