What is the secret to building customers for life? Why do some people stay with a product or a person for decades? I believe the secret lies in not only learning, but living good customer service principles while building relationships. If you initiate the customer relationship with an attitude of serving them, learning all about their needs or problems, and finding solutions, that is a great start!

1. With the internet being so popular now for selling, I frequently have new customers find me through my web page. I am thrilled when that happens, but if they are local to me, I like to initiate a face to face relationship , if I can right away. I learned the value in this when I was promoting handing out web coupons. I acquired many new customers by doing this, but without getting to know them at least briefly, their loyalty to me was significantly less.
2. Once you develop a customer, take the time to show her other products in your line that also be beneficial to her. You can take a good customer and turn her into a great customer by doing this. That will also increase your income significantly by broadening each customer's usage of your products for your reorder business. Have you fallen in love with all of your products? It will show through when you share that knowledge with them. A great way to increase your customer's usage of the product is by giving her a birthday discount and pampering her sometime that month. That is when I show her all of the wonderful products that will make her feel good and stay young looking!
3. Do you connect with your customers regularly? I don't mean bombarding them with phone calls, emails, or literature. In the initial relationship I explain what my customer service will include. I ask what her preferred method of contact is. Some still prefer the phone, but many now prefer email. Don't abuse that privilege by sending too often.  I still believe that the written word on paper is powerful at times too. I send out quarterly brochures to my customers, so if we don't connect any other way, she knows that I am still thinking about her. Always followup a mailing with a phone call. (even if you have to leave a voice message) This increases your chances of the mail being opened, or anticipated if it hasn't arrived yet. One of the biggest mistakes that I see consultants make it not following up with their customers. They tell me "I don't want to be pushy". The customer DESERVES that follow up. For each neglected customer, I usually receive two who find me with a story of how they never again heard from their consultant after the initial sale. Don't lose business that way! Don't forget to send birthday cards and call for other special occasions. Taking the time to do this will set you apart from others. I even keep a "wish list" for each customer so that if a family member wants to send her a gift, I can suggest things that I know that she really wants!
4. Don't be a "hit and run" sales person! I discovered very early in my business that I could easily sell a complete collection of products at my initial meeting with a customer. What I also found is that it decreased my chances of scheduling a follow up appointment or getting referrals. By holding back on showing all of the products in the initial appointment, it creates a desire to schedule another appointment with the client. It also creates a reason to ask for referrals.
5. Give your customers what they want right away. Have you ever visited a retail store that had bare shelves, or very little inventory? How did it make you feel? i don't usually shop in a place like that when I see this. I believe it is important to stock enough inventory to deliver what your customer wants right away.
6. Offer free shipping. This, of course, is  a personal choice that you make. I have found that my customers have moved all over the country and continue to use me as their consultant because I make it convenient for them. I ship to them whether they are across town or across the country and they get what they want right away! This is also valuable in increasing your holiday business. I tell my customers that I can ship their gifts for free too, making it a time saver for them during a busy time of year!
7. Honor your product guarantee, but don't get taken advantage of. I tell my customers to save their receipt. If they are unhappy for any reason, let me know right away. This eliminates abuse by trying to return product that they bought somewhere else.
8. Provide year long gift solutions. I always have different gift bags and beautiful packaging available and on display for a year round gift for anyone. My customers know this and count on me for helping them, especially for last minute gifts! (these recipients are potential new customers, too!) Don't forget the ability to help corporations with gifting as well! I have companies that rely on me to provide gifts year after year!
9. Go the extra mile! Mary Kay Ash always said, "the extra mile has no traffic jam". This is what sets you apart from others. Make your customers feel important, and they will want to be around you. They will want to share you with their friends and family, too.
10. Don't forget to become their business partner, when possible. If they can't afford to get everything that they want, show them how to earn it as a hostess, and really work with them to make it happen. Better yet, explain how your business could be a "plan b" for them in adding to the family income. You never know unless you ask. What do you have to lose? Perhaps an opportunity to change someone's life will be the result!