Ways to Wow the Customer!

  One sure way to get the customer to come back is to exceed their expectation of service.  These ideas are designed to make them feel special and valued as a customer.

1. VIP CARDS

Special VIP Cards can be given to a select group such as Seniors 55 and older, which allows them to get a discount, such as 10% off any purchase on any day or only special days. 

2. BIRTHDAY CLUB

Get customers to sign up for a special offer given to them during their birthday month, such as:  25% off any item, or a free gift of merchandise.  Mail them a reminder card wishing them happy birthday.

3.  PREFERRED CUSTOMER SALE 

What better way to tell your customer how much you appreciate them!  Hold an after-hours event or a private sale just for them.

Mail invitations to your preferred list and hand out in the store as well.  Serve refreshments, have a drawing for a special gift, offer a small gift or an additional discount for bringing a friend.  Introducing a new season of clothing is a good time to hold this event. 

4. CUSTOMER APPRECIATION CARD

A new customer is invited to sign up on the mailing list.  Send them a card thanking them for their business.  An old customer makes a big purchase.  Send them a card letting them know how much you value them as a customer.

 SPECIAL OR SEASONAL EVENTS

These events can do many things for your business.  They can be used to increase the customer/consignor base, move more merchandise, reward repeat customers, assure consignors you really are trying to sell their stuff and last but not least, they can create fun and excitement for everyone including you and the employees!

POPULAR SPECIAL EVENTS CAN INCLUDE:

  1.        FREE TAX DAY—On April 15 pay the sales tax for your customers. 

 2.        REGULAR CLEARANCE SALES—They can be weekly, monthly or whenever it works for you.  How about an “overstocked” sale every Monday, or Friday?  Customers have to come in to find out what’s on sale. 

3.        OTHER REGULAR EVENTS—Serve lunch to a special  “Bunch”  every Friday, or once a month. Pick a target group such as workers from a near-by office building.  How about a once-a-month after hours by invitation only event for special groups?  Kick back a percentage of the sales to their organization. 

4.        SUPER BOWL SUNDAY—On the last Sunday in January hold an afternoon event for football widows.  Offer food, makeover, chair massage, special sales, a trunk show?

5.        BENEFIT A CHARITY—give customers a discount for donating food or money to the selected charity.  Involve charity to support the event, and get a ton of free publicity out of it.  Don’t pass up opportunities to give gift certificates or merchandise to live or silent auctions supporting local charities. 

SEASONAL EVENTS TO PICK UP SALES

 Every holiday is an excuse to hold a pre-holiday special event or Sale.  Offer free boxes or wrapping for gifts, refreshments, discounts, etc. 

 1.        Have a 4^th of July “Saleabration” – do face painting for the kids, set up a tent outside for free hot dogs and soda and a side walk sale.  (don’t do this in Texas!) 

2.        Easter egg fun event—set a basket of plastic eggs on the Sales counter.  Inside each egg is a folded piece of paper with a prize such as 10- 50% off your next entire purchase (or single item; or a free gift such as a pair of earrings from a selected group.  Most offers will be in the 10-20% off range, of course.  This encourages a return visit to receive the discount or they may turn around and purchase additional merchandise on the same day if you allow them to.  Who can select an egg?  Set the rules that appeal to you.  Every customer who walks in the door may be invited to select an egg before they leave, or only those who make a purchase.  Most important—let them keep the egg to remind them they have a bargain coming at your store.

3.  Christmas Tree ornament spin-off—customers could select an ornament from the tree that contains a prize inside.  A variation could be:  buy an ornament from a selection at the sales counter for $1 to benefit a charity and get 10% off any         purchase that day.  The customer puts the ornament of her choice on the tree.  Advertise the event well through-out the store and the local charity that will benefit.

 4.        Store Anniversary Celebration—what a great excuse to promote your store!  And it doesn’t have to be a one-day event.  Celebrate the week before and consider advertising the whole year in ad copy:  “now celebrating our 20^th year in the Bay Area.” 

Cover Page    Page 1    Page 2    Page 3    Page 4

Return to STARS Home Page

Interested in
Membership in
S.T.A.R.S.?

We are currently
recruiting members
from all over
South Texas. 
If you are a
Resale Shop Owner
in South Texas,
visit our
Membership page
for more information.
There are many
exciting benefits
to S.T.A.R.S.!
 

Attention New
Resale Shops! 
If you have been in
business for less than a
year & you're located
in South Texas, we invite
you to register with
S.T.A.R.S.  We want to
offer you some of the
benefits of S.T.A.R.S.
membership without
the cost of dues. 
After one year in business,
you will be eligible for
S.T.A.R.S. membership.
Click here to register.