Customers Want to Spend Money

I saved money for years to replace my old 1991 Plymouth Acclaim with a new vehicle. Last fall, the savings were in place and the time was right to make a purchase. I decided (with my wife's support, of course!) on an SUV to accommodate our frequent trips to Lowe's and Home Depot and also to allow us … [Read more...]

Respect Your Customers’ Time

On my last trip to the US Post Office I was surprised that the line wasn't as long as it usually is. I took my number and waited patiently as the "Now Serving" numbers slowly approached mine. At last, I was one number away. I saw a customer ahead of me finish and walk away. The counter and clerk … [Read more...]

Underpromise and Overdeliver

I mentioned a few weeks ago how Dell had delayed my PDA shipment a few weeks later than I had originally been told. Three days before my new ship date, Dell emails me that they had shipped my PDA. In the end, I received it the day before my revised delivery date. I was pleasantly surprised. How … [Read more...]

Don’t Let Customers Lose Money

Last year I purchased some credits with iStockphoto for their royalty-free photography. I made the purchase because I needed a particular picture for a client's website I was creating. Since then, a year has passed and I haven't used any more of my credits. In fact, I hadn't even visited their … [Read more...]

Did you forget to follow up with customers?

My last trip to the dentist was over 6 months ago. Nine, to be exact. Some of you may be thinking that would be just fine with you! However, if you were a dentist, you'd probably want to know when I'd be coming in for my routine cleaning and check-up. At the end of my last dental exam, the … [Read more...]

9rules for a Successful Business

I got the great news this week that ReturnCustomer.com has been invited to join the 9rules network. This network consists of a large collection of top quality sites on numerous different topics. It is an honor to be a member! If you aren't familiar with the 9rules network, I invite you to head on … [Read more...]

Changing a Customer Loyalty Program

Whenever my boss wants to have a "working lunch" we'll drive up the street to a little restaurant/bar called Sam's Boat. At night this place is hopping but at lunch it is pretty quiet and they serve a decent hamburger. We've been there quite a few times and have amassed stamps on our frequent lunch … [Read more...]

What to do when your inventory runs out

I needed to rent a post office box for my business. Try as I may, I couldn't get any information on pricing or availability through the United States Postal Service website or phone numbers. So I headed off to the post office to rent my mailbox. I rearranged my schedule, drove to the station, and … [Read more...]

Can you describe your products?

Let's assume your company sells widgets. Can you describe to a customer your widgets and all their benefits? How about your employees? Do they know your product as well as you? This past weekend my wife and I went to a Chinese restaurant to order some take-out. We weren't familiar with some items … [Read more...]

Customer Interaction Alternatives

My wife and I like to eat out at restaurants to escape the drudgery of the everyday. However the birth of our now 4 month old son has put a pinch on our social outings. The other day we were craving a restaurant meal but not some deplorable fast food when we discovered the beauty of "curb side to … [Read more...]