We are in the midst of cleaning up after significant water damage from a leak in the roof of our leased space. My Best Practice was to include Business Interruption coverage in my total insurance policy. This coverage paid average sales during the ten days we have been closed. The loss of revenue during this time would have definitely put us out of business. I encourage every business owner to check in with their agent.
Anne W. Doop
The Phoebus Coffee House, Hampton
One of the tools that has been most helpful to me in keeping sales up is the Constant Contact program. I try to send out monthly emails, offering discounts, informing them of what is new, and thanking them for being a loyal customer. I make different offers for online sales and in-store customers, so each can benefit. Being an opt-in list, these are my valued customers already, so they appreciate the savings. I also make sure I put a "forward toa friend" link on there so they can send the offer to friends, & that als helps me build my customer base. And Retail Alliance gets you a discount on the program.
Hope the idea can help someone else!
Connie Todd
Connie's Kids, Ltd, Chesapeake
Greeting new customers in the same manner as regular customers. Problem brought to his attention by new customers. Open on Sunday and open later during the holiday hours.
Hannah's Hall Mark, Virginia Beach
Obtain demographic information on customer – age, income, ethnicity, employment type
Hand written thank you after each initial visit. Telephone call on birthday.
Carla Mackie,
The Full Cup, Virginia Beach
Bathroom for customers – Pack bathroom with products that are sold in store (art work, lotions, soaps) – the bathroom is an experience (based on décor) and encourages customers to use the bathroom. Suggest a book called “Customers for Life”. Use post cards to send out to customers as a means of staying in touch – website called – www.48 hour.com has the cards and are reasonably priced.
Worth the Wait, Virginia Beach