Steve Marr.org

Have you considered using postcards as a low cost option for reaching customers? A 6” x 4 ¼” postcard costs 32 cents each for first mailing; plus, the printing costs are lower.  If you want more room for your message you can use 11 ½” x 6 ½” for 45 cents each.

I received a question asking if offering discounts to first time customers was discriminatory. 

When customers can’t contact someone for a question, order, or complaint; they get frustrated. Make sure you place a contact box on your website’s home page as well as on any ordering pages.

Some believe the website is to just for taking orders. Your site must also relate to customers.

I usually don’t order from a website when a contact box is missing. I take this as a statement that customer service is a low priority.  They don’t want to be bothered.

If a customer contacts you with a question, that’s an opportunity to sell. If you receive a complaint, take it as an opportunity to respond and strengthen your relationship.

Customers will always desire quality in any purchase, whether furniture, cars, or clothing. 
 Jesus related a parable of "a merchant seeking fine pearls, and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had, and bought it" (Matthew 13:45-6 NASB).

All of us have been frustrated when we need to return products that break or are not as advertised. We often return the item, and don't go back for more.

Focus on eliminating defects in your operation.

Look at the political advertisements during every election season, and you will see numerous attack ads designed to cut down a competitor for office. Some of these ads may be technically true, but they are misleading. John the Baptist said, “Don’t extort money and don’t accuse people falsely.” (Luke 3:14 NIV)

When you are working to obtain a new customer, you may be tempted to slam your competitors. A more effective way to sell is to stay focused on your own products and services, and to highlight your competitive advantage positively.