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Without customers, we wouldn't be in business. That is why it is surprising how easily retail shops unintentionally drive customers away. Sometimes, understanding the what can ruin a business can help us focus on what not to do while building our enterprise. Here are five simple ways to lose customers.

 

1. Wrong Product Pricing

Besides cost, some of the things to consider when choosing the best strategy for your retail business are the market, the channels of distribution and the competition. Here are a few of the more popular pricing strategies to consider.

2. Busyness - The wrong type of website can turn off visitors and repel sales. Create a website designed for your target audience. For example, if you're selling aromatherapy products, you'll want a relaxing environment. However, if you're a life coach you want to pump people up. Your website should be full of life and activity.

3. Point of Contact - When visitors to your website have a question they want to be able to easily find your contact information. Many websites display their email address, phone number, or a link to their contact information either in their menu or at the top/bottom of their website,

4. Customer Service - You can set your business apart from all the rest by offering fast, friendly and helpful service to your customers. Try to respond to emails and phone calls within twenty-fours hours. Smile while you type or talk on the phone because your customers will hear the lilt in your voice and respond.

5. Follow-up - If your customer asks a question about a product or service, follow up within 48 hours to see if they have further questions. Many times this follow-up can lead to a sale. Neglecting follow-up can lose you customers.

6 Spam - If you offer a newsletter or other type of mailing list, be careful with what you send to your subscribers. Avoid mailings that look like spam. Choose a template that works for you and that will be recognizable to your readers.

7. Professional Conduct - In the business world it's important that you're professional, especially when dealing with difficult clients. It's imperative to be kind, courteous and take care of business. Refrain from any type of name calling or blame placing. Stand up for your business in a professional manner and treat your customers with respect at all times. Remember the old adage - the customer is always right.

8. Payment Options/Security - Customers want to know that they can trust you with their financial information. Choose a payment provider that offers a secure way to transit orders and credit card information. If possible, offer more than one payment option to give your customers the ability to choose how they will pay.

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Global buy sell B2B trade marketplace

I use to work for a company that made the pricing mistake.  They priced their product at more than double their competitors' product.  The reason for the high pricing scheme was the owner believed his company made the best product on the market.

There was only problem, the difference in products was only discernible in a lab setting.  In practical applications, there was no difference.

One of our customer phrased the problem very well.  He told our sales rep, " You guys still think you produce the Cadillac of the hardware market.  And, price your product accordingly,  But, my customers won't pay your inflated price when similar products sell for far less."

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The older we get, the more excuses we make for not chasing after our dreams. But truth is, goals are attainable at any age.

As an employee of a website, I can well relate to number 6 (spam). Through online marketing strategies and link-building, we come across many other competing sites that send out email bombs just riddled with spam links.

It's very simple - have a subscription link for those who want your emails, and work on your netiquette to try and entice those who don't.

Great tips - thank you!

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