(Time to read this article is about 90 seconds)

Whether you sell to consumers or to other businesses, loyal customers are a treasure and they love being thanked, acknowledged and appreciated for their loyalty. The good news is that today’s technology allows us to track, thank and WOW them in simple, affordable and powerful ways.

When I rented a car from Avis in Calgary last week, they upgraded me from a Chevy Impala to a Cadillac CTS, because I’m a “Preferred Member”.  Then, when I arrived at the Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel a few hours later, they upgraded me to a Superior Room on the Club Floor, because I’m a President’s Club member.  I also got free internet.

Both Avis and Fairmont have me in their database, they track my purchases and “thank” me from time to time in ways that delight me, and keep me coming back.  Here are a few more examples of businesses doing little extra things to thank, honour and retain good customers.

  • My favorite menswear store gives me a beautiful silk tie from time to time, when I’m making a large purchase. 
  • My favourite local restaurant just sent me a special invitation to sample their ‘Spring Menu’ on March 5th.
  • Affordable art seller PI International in Toronto sends out pre-sale notices to regular customers giving them first crack at their best offerings, before the general public is allowed in.
  • A few smart Building Supply retailers have hired me to deliver an evening ‘Accelerate Your Business’ seminar for their Contractor customers to help them become more effective managers.
  • The ‘gift’ that you give regular customers might be as simple as remembering their name, their preferences or that they love gardening. Or, it could just be a sincere ‘thank you’.for their business.  Surveys show that very few businesses actually say “thank you”.  How goofy is that? 

So, what are you doing to track, thank, appreciate, honour and reward your most loyal customers?  Do you even know who they are?  Do you know anything about them as people and what special little gestures will be significant to them?  The technology is there…all it takes is your caring and your ‘doing’. 

Special VIP treatment doesn’t always have to be free.  While it’s important to thank, reward and acknowledge customers, keep in mind that VIP treatment can also be an excellent revenue generating opportunity. 

Norwegian Cruise Lines recently introduced exclusive “Cabanas on the Cay” with VIP service and amenities, on Great Stirrup Cay, their 250-acre private island paradise in the Bahamas.  Many of their customers are delighted to pay extra to get the VIP treatment.

Chatham Kent Construction Products helps small contractors by renting them storage units, right in their yard, to securely store their equipment, tools and materials.  Because these contractors then start their day by going to their storage unit to pick up tools and equipment, where are they most likely to buy their building materials?  This is brilliant marketing…and a revenue generator.  

So, what added VIP treatment could you add to your product or service that would clearly differentiate you, delight your customers and grow your bottom line? 

 

For info about booking Donald to deliver his bottom-line insights on management, marketing and profitability at an Industry Conference or Corporate Event…or to discus our Business Coaching program, contact us at donald@donaldcooper.com or by phone at 1 (416) 252-3703 in Toronto, Canada.

2 Responses to What are you doing to ‘thank’ and acknowledge your most important customers?
  1. HI DONALD—I GIVE ALL MY CUSTOMERS A SMILE, A FRIENDLY CHAT AND THE BEST SERVICE I CAN PROVIDE–I AM 66YRS OLD AND HAVE BEEN IN THE AUTO INDUSTRY ALL MY LIFE—AS A RED SEAL MECHANIC ,SERVICE ADVISOR,AND AS A QUICK LUBE MAMANGER FOR A LARGE GM DEALERSHIP—WE ALWAYS HAVE SMALL GIFTS FOR OUR CUSTOMER–FROM GOOD PENS,KEY CHAIN FLASHLIGHTS,EVEN SMALL TAPE MEASURES FOR THE HANDY PERSON.–THE CUSTOMERS WITH DOGS GET A VERY SPECIAL TREATMENT–A PICTURE OF THEIR POOCH,WHICH IS POSTED ON A WALL—I HAVE OVER 400 PICTURES–PLUS DOG COOKIES—CUSTOMERS ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT—WE HAVE VERY MANY REPEAT CUSTOMERS WHO ALWAYS BRING THEIR DOGS IN BECAUSE THEY KNOW THEY WILL GET SOME COOKIES AND LOVIN’.—THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR ARTICLES WHICH I HAVE READ FOR MANY YEARS——LLOYD B.

  2. A few days ago I lost a hugely important pet. This dog along with his sister accompanied me to work every day of his life with me. I have been incredibly heartbroken. And it was a very sudden loss.

    One of my suppliers owns an engraving company. I have designed things and had them etched or engraved by her company for customers of mine. I received this in the mail unexpectedly. Turned my entire day around. And why wouldn’t I have her business on my mind.


[top]

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Sign up for Donald's Free!
"Straight Talk" Business Coach Blog

Sign up to get valuable and insightful tips weekly!
SIGN UP
close-link
Simple Share ButtonsIt's only fair to share
Simple Share Buttons