An often overlooked sales tip, is to say thank you in a highly personal way. It increases customer loyalty and makes them feel appreciated. It can also make you stand out from the crowd, and when times are tough in business it may give you the edge.

“Even though business thank you cards offer a tangible way for companies to demonstrate customer appreciation, only 44 percent of the consumers we surveyed received a thank you greeting card from companies with which they do business,” said Marc Wagenheim, director for Hallmark Business Expressions.

In fact, a total of 66 percent of consumers surveyed by Hallmark Business Expressions indicated that business greeting cards sent to show appreciation for a purchase or referral makes them more likely to do future business with a company.
Some people suggest you pick up the phone or send an email, but what works best for me is the old fashioned but highly memorable thank you note.

What should you thank people for? We thank new customers for choosing us to deliver their goods. A friend of ours thinks a thank you note after obtaining a quote is a good way of getting the business, it works for her.
What do you put on it? I suggest it’s handwritten, and in blue ink, so that it doesnt look like its computer generated, so it has that nice personal touch. Some discreet contact details, but they shouldn’t detract from the message of thanks.
Where else can I use it? After networking? Why not thank the person for their comments, may get read unlike an email which can be deleted, may get kept too. Certainly makes you stick in their mind.

So when did you last say thank you via a note, and how did it work for you?

Sarah

Essex couriers and parcel delivery

I found this interesting blog today:

“There has been a lot of hype and noise surrounding Steve Jobs‘ appearance at the WWDC conference and not just because of the new iPhone launch either.  His gaunt appearance started a furore amongst the tech analysts and journalists as to how his health was, it was material they claimed.

Sally Church, Oncology Market Trends, Jul 2008″

The whole article is a good read, and having met Sally on several occasions, I know where she is coming from.
Couriers need a lot of information and if the truth be told, if a companie’s transport was going well, would we be in there collecting and delivering?
If we knew the health of one of our main customers, would it affect the service we gave them? Would we still be available?
I know we would be.
In business, others don’t think that way and does knowing all the minute details make a difference? To them it does. To your customer it does. Lifetime value of a customer means just that. Lifetime.

So, what exactly does being ethical in business mean?
Sarah
Ethical, Greener, efficient couriers

A customer is standing by the vacuum cleaner display. The Sales assistant approaches the customer and asks “are you looking for an upright or cylinder?”

Which letter best describes the selling skills?

Product knowledge know what you are selling.

Acknowledge customer – make eye contact

You now establish the customers need & wants

Match the products to the needs & wants

Ensure the customer is satisfied.

Now close the sale

Take the money!

I was inspired by this when I visited the local electricity shop. It is kiss inspired (keep it simple stupid).

Source: Leo Cussons, Work Connexions Link

I like the idea of following “payment” to make the sale.

Does it only work for face to face sales or can it be adapted for over the telephone and when you need to sell services?

What else other acronyms do you follow to make the sale?

Regards

Sarah Arrow

Sales success for when you drive for a living
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