It’s always a good idea to follow up with customers after your product or service has been delivered. Here are some follow-up tips to make sure your customer stays your customer:
- Ask for the best times to stay in touch after you close the sale.
- Make sure that what you promised was delivered.
- Try to find ways to help your customer, even if it doesn’t result in any more sales to you. Send them pertinent articles they will find useful.
- When possible, bring your customer business.
- Share any information with your customers that will contribute to their success.
- Keep them abreast of industry trends, forecasts and competitive information.
- Research trends that can impact their business.
- Provide your home and mobile telephone numbers.
- Let the customer know that you’re always ready to go the extra mile.
- Organize a system that allows you to collect customer information. Keeping it simple will ensure that you’ll follow through.
- Keep trying to add value, even when the customer is satisfied with your product or service. Listen carefully and watch for any clues that indicate new ways you can add value.
- Ask the customer about new products or services coming in the months ahead, branch offices opening up, or even new people in key positions.
- Make customers feel they have an inside track with you. Give them a sneak peek about new products or services your company is planning to offer.
Adapted from the book The 12 Cliches of Selling by Barry Farber, a sales consultant.
