I don’t know about you, but I’m a chocolate addict. I love just about everything chocolate. My latest favorite thing is a new chocolate-flavored Greek yogurt. And trust me, if you like chocolate, you’ll love this tasty treat.

The only place to purchase this in my neighborhood is at the local Whole Foods Market, so you can imagine how disappointed I was when, on a recent trip to the market, there was none on the shelf!

I was resigned to going home without my new favorite thing when the checkout person very pleasantly asked if I had found everything I wanted. When I told her about not finding my favorite chocolate yogurt, she had the manager check in the back. Much to my surprise, he appeared with a package of six mouthwatering Chocolate Pure Pleasure yogurts.

But here was the even bigger surprise: the young woman at the checkout counter told me they were free! Just a little thank you for being a loyal customer.

The six yogurts sell for $4.99 so it wasn’t a big deal money-wise for such a large corporation, but the gesture will certainly be remembered. I’ve already spread the word to my husband and friends and I will certainly be coming back for more!

With that in mind, what little surprises can you “wow” your customers with to encourage repeat business, promote loyalty and keep you in the front of their mind?
 
Here are a few easy suggestions that will stand out and get you noticed:
 
*Send a handwritten thank-you note with every order.
 
*Fill a coffee mug with candy or flowers and send it on your loyal customers with a big “THANK YOU!” imprinted on the mug and a handwritten note about how much you appreciate their continued business.
 
*Send little gifts on unexpected holidays like Halloween, Thanksgiving or Valentine’s Day.
 
*Give them an unexpected thank you for being a loyal customer such as a  free screen charge on their next order, next quantity pricing or a free spec sample with their company logo on it.
  
You should always be thinking about how you can add value and “wow” them by going above and beyond what’s expected. It’s the little touches that will make you and your company memorable.
 
What little touches do you provide that make your customers feel appreciated?  I’d love to hear your comments – you can post in the box below.
 

© 2013 Rosalie Marcus

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Not sure which program or product is right for you? Contact Rosalie for a brief, no obligation, personal consultation. Reach her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com

Rosalie Marcus, The Promo Biz Coach ™ is a promotional products business expert, coach and speaker. Combining her skills and years of experience in promotional sales, she helps her clients sell more at higher profit margins and dramatically increase their incomes! Get a FREE special report: 10 Big Mistakes Promotional Professionals Make and How to Avoid Them and a FREE Skyrocket Your Sales audio download at http://www.promobizcoach.com

Reach her at Rosalie@promobizcoach.com or 215-572-6766.

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