Page 196 - 597 Business Ideas You can Start from Home - doing what you LOVE! (Beginner Internet Marketing Series)

Step 9. Find and Sell to Buyers 1 89

• Listen carefully to customer's praise and problems.
• Be grateful. Sincerely thank people for their orders.

Set a higher standard than what most people experience in
today's high-tech, nonpersonal buying marketplace. I've found that
people really appreciate personal touches . Recently, a customer
wanted to have our products sent as a gift to her mother. She asked
if we could write a card to include inside the package. We accom­
modated all her requests. It took us only a few minutes but she was
so glad that we took care of it without hesitating.

Process Orders Efficiently

When you receive a purchase order via fax, e-mail, or phone, be
sure to confirm receipt of the order within twenty-four hours, give
a shipping estimate, and thank the client for their business. When­
ever possible (likely for small accounts or individual shoppers),
try to ship out your product within twenty-four hours of receipt
of order. That prompt service shows the client you're grateful and
efficient .

Customers also want the package to arrive in good shape. Take
pride in your shipping services as well; be sure the package is
packed properly. If you have to resend a package that was damaged,
it inconveniences the customer and becomes costly for you, so do
it right the first time. Unless your products are costly, don't ask the
customer to send back damaged or defective items, just trust them
and resend the order.

Listen to Your Customers' Praise­
and Their Problems, Too!

Customer service also includes listening to your customers and
resolving issues politely and calmly, no matter the nature of the
customer's complaint.