and the art of Customer Relations

Here are a few suggestions for using as a tool for customer relations:

• Can you replace any of your print display ads with the Web? Maybe not, but there is an advantage to them being posted online also.

• What kinds of online groups, clubs or distribution lists are interested in your products? How can you build relationships there?  Direct sales email messages are among the most effective marketing tools. Build a mailing list of people who are interested in your product and won’t mind an e-mail contact?  

• Are you going to take comments and complaints online? Some people will appreciate this type of interaction, provided that you are quick to get them feedback (daily).

• Can customers suggest a product that you should carry or a variation on the one’s that you already have in stock?  This is a good place to get ideas and identify opportunities is through active customer feedback.

• What about online shopping?  What about going part way by letting people place orders online and stop to pick up their items? It is acceptable to charge a fee for personal shopping.

• For special order products (cakes, certain meat, etc.), the Web can be a good way to promote those products and even take orders.