How to make an impression on your customers
Nov 08, 2007
PICTURE this: Five shops on the same arcade, selling the same items and at the same price. Little wonder that some traders spend even a week without selling anything. <br>
By Cynthia Nankumba
PICTURE this: Five shops on the same arcade, selling the same items and at the same price. Little wonder that some traders spend even a week without selling anything.
There are so many shopping malls in town selling the same items that a consumer is lost for choice. Since traders have to survive, they need to know their selling points or else they close business.
As an ardent shopper, let me share with traders what attracts me to a particular trader, stall or shop.
Name of the shop:
Choose an attractive name — one that tickles a buyer. An interesting name would make me curious about the products on sale or services offered.
For instance, if you are selling women’s clothes, a name like Glorious Shape would make women flock to the shop because all women love glorious bodies.
Appeal of a product:
If what is on display is attractive, I will definitely drop by and take a closer look. And if the price is good, I will buy.
Customer care:
A smile works wonders. Who wants to come face-to-face with a gloomy seller? So, do not wear all your problems on your face; you will send away your buyers.
Mask your worries with a smile to attract customers. Pay attention to customers and engage them into a conversation as they bargain. Also compliment or flatter them about their appearance.
Price:
Why sell your products at the same price as the rest? Make it a little lower as long as you can make profit.
Location:
If you are a food vendor operating near a smelly garbage heap, do not blame it on witchcraft if you do not get customers.
It is strategic to have your business near the road for easy access.
For shops, your business would do better on the ground floor or first floor as many people would not want to walk up the stairs.
Hygiene:I once visited a salon which the owner’s children had turned into a toilet. It reeked of urine. I had to use a handkerchief to cover my nose for the three hours I was there.
Much as the lady was a good hairdresser, I never went back to her salon. Unfortunately, she did not notice this.
Hygiene is very important, but it is rare that customers will not tell you about it, — many may not come back, however good your services are.
Advertising:
I find it easier to shop at a place whose products or services have been advertised. In salons opposite the Old Taxi Park, hairdressers station themselves outside to lure customers.
This has worked for most of them as Nakato, a hairdresser testifies: “My salon is located on the third floor. I have to come down to convince customers to go to my place, or no one will turn up. I convince at least four customers a day.â€
Now you have the tips, do not go to witchdoctors for juju, try out the guidelines.
PICTURE this: Five shops on the same arcade, selling the same items and at the same price. Little wonder that some traders spend even a week without selling anything.
There are so many shopping malls in town selling the same items that a consumer is lost for choice. Since traders have to survive, they need to know their selling points or else they close business.
As an ardent shopper, let me share with traders what attracts me to a particular trader, stall or shop.
Name of the shop:
Choose an attractive name — one that tickles a buyer. An interesting name would make me curious about the products on sale or services offered.
For instance, if you are selling women’s clothes, a name like Glorious Shape would make women flock to the shop because all women love glorious bodies.
Appeal of a product:
If what is on display is attractive, I will definitely drop by and take a closer look. And if the price is good, I will buy.
Customer care:
A smile works wonders. Who wants to come face-to-face with a gloomy seller? So, do not wear all your problems on your face; you will send away your buyers.
Mask your worries with a smile to attract customers. Pay attention to customers and engage them into a conversation as they bargain. Also compliment or flatter them about their appearance.
Price:
Why sell your products at the same price as the rest? Make it a little lower as long as you can make profit.
Location:
If you are a food vendor operating near a smelly garbage heap, do not blame it on witchcraft if you do not get customers.
It is strategic to have your business near the road for easy access.
For shops, your business would do better on the ground floor or first floor as many people would not want to walk up the stairs.
Hygiene:I once visited a salon which the owner’s children had turned into a toilet. It reeked of urine. I had to use a handkerchief to cover my nose for the three hours I was there.
Much as the lady was a good hairdresser, I never went back to her salon. Unfortunately, she did not notice this.
Hygiene is very important, but it is rare that customers will not tell you about it, — many may not come back, however good your services are.
Advertising:
I find it easier to shop at a place whose products or services have been advertised. In salons opposite the Old Taxi Park, hairdressers station themselves outside to lure customers.
This has worked for most of them as Nakato, a hairdresser testifies: “My salon is located on the third floor. I have to come down to convince customers to go to my place, or no one will turn up. I convince at least four customers a day.â€
Now you have the tips, do not go to witchdoctors for juju, try out the guidelines.