Online community for ornamental horticulture
Unproductive Customers
I guess that calling some customers unproductive sounds harsh, but what I am really talking about is the customer who comes into the store and asks, say, how to put in a lawn. You spend the time telling them what to do, and you usually get, "OK, I'll come back with my spouse on Tuesday and we'll get what we need." My business is small enough that I know that they never came back. They probably used the information to go to the box store and buy what they need for less money. I have been in lawn and garden for 35 years and this is one of the problems I haven't been able to solve. As an Industry we have tremendous knowledge. Lawyer and Accountants charge for their knowledge. Sould We be doing that? Let me know what you think.
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Comment by Danielle Jackson on March 13, 2010 at 10:19am - Totally agree; handouts, although need to be user friendly; will at least appreciate the direction; whether they go to the masses or not. Acts of information instill a quick, but kind gesture. They may become repeat customers based on the fact you took the time to get them going. There is a fair amount of business for all..and I believe taking the high road always sends the consumer a message.
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Comment by Harold A. Wren on December 18, 2009 at 1:16pm -
You might be better off in a situation like that to take his information, if he is willing to give it, and tell him that you can do a better job of informing him if you can come to his home and take a look and give him some advice there. I have found that most people back pedal if they know that you have some information on them.
Another good way to interact with potential customers is to have seminars on different subjects at your store. Like a mini course. Then you have them there to sell on the spot too.
© 2010 Created by Sara Tambascio
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