How can retailers attract customers through rewards?
A returning customer is payment enough. The retail space is evolving and with new competitors entering the market each day, it is becoming increasingly important for retailers to innovate. One of the easiest ways for retailers to say thank you to customers is to create a rewards program. But retailers can make rewards programs go beyond saying thank you. Establishing a reward program can be one of the best marketing strategies that a brand can adopt.
In a study by Nielsen, it was pointed out that customers were more likely to come back to a brand with a rewards program so that they can get to the reward faster. Whether the brand is giving out points, discounts or giveaways is for it to decide. A good rewards program constitutes of a few key elements; in-depth research about the customer is the start point to success. The next basic requirement is to define the basis of rewards; what does a customer need to do to earn the reward? The next step is to keep a track of the behavior and keep a tab on how receptive people are to the program.
The first and most obvious mistake that brands make is to think of rewards as a short term event. However, the easiest way to keep your customers interest in the brand is by updating, reinventing and rethinking how you are rewarding. Modern customers are aware and are often on the lookout for a better deal. Knowing that a customer rewards program isn’t timeless is essential.
Brands need to go beyond ’selling’. Personal communication is going to keep customers coming back. When creating a rewards program, brands must not hesitate in being generous with the most loyal customers. Putting in the effort to ensure that customers know that their well-being is being considered.
Make rewards actually rewarding. Ensuring that the rewards program in a way helps customers get to an object they desire. Whether it is a cash discount at the end of the year or a specific object that they can win over a period of time. Understand that customers are investing time and money and need to be acknowledged.
Retailers can start by rewarding repeat business. If the brand has a card or points, then rewards need to given out in a timely fashion without any hassle.
Another way for retailers to attract customers through rewards is to not even to create a direct reward, but a great reason for them to engage with the company. Many electronic companies offer free delivery, setting up, some even go on to help customers dispose of their products in a responsible manner. Especially when it comes to electronics. For example, batteries and outdated equipment that have a potential to create issues if not disposed of properly.
A rewards program is meaningful only if the customer sees value. At the end of the day, retailers must aim to deliver a reward that feels like a reward. One that the customer values and remembers. The rewards need to be enticing enough for the customer to be curious about the brand and the rewards themselves.
Create a program with RewardPort and give your brand the edge it deserves.
Omni Channel Engagement for Small and Mid-Size Companies
A recent study showed that customers are 58 percent more likely to tell others about their experience with a brand than they would have done five years ago. One important outlet for this exchange is the social sphere which gives consumers and businesses the opportunity to reach lots of people.
As the taste of consumers align with new market contexts, businesses must look for applicable ways to engage them beyond building traditional relationships. Most customers expect their vendors to engage with them through digital channels. Interestingly, it is not just one channel but an Omni channel approach. This includes the social media, the web, email and other channels.
Small and Mid-size companies must take advantage of these new outlets to drive their brand. The technological and demographic changes that are sweeping across the economic landscape have changed the playing field. Most customers prefer having their questions or problems resolved without needing to talk with a customer service agent. Furthermore, customers want to engage with a brand on their own terms; either through human interaction or a digital channel. Small and Mid-size organizations that do not offer multiple engagement channels may sabotage their relationship with their customers or remain at a competitive disadvantage.
It is important to have a portfolio of services that connect with your customers when and where they want. The Human and digital channels of interaction must be properly optimized. Every business can get a virtual receptionist team which can double as a virtual assistant. They would screen and transfer calls to a representative of a small business based on agreed schedules. Beyond the administrative functions of this team, they can process orders, make outbound calls, answer customer service questions and schedule appointments.
Another important platform is to run an effective digital engagement system. A good digital platform allows your customers to be educated on your business and product offers, amplify the sales process, resolve service issues, connect with prospects, answer customer questions and so much more.
When your Omni channel platform gives an outstanding experience to your customers, they ultimately become your brand advocates. It is essential to buttress the fact that great customer service occurs on multiple fronts. There is no leading brand that can retain a large share of the market by using one channel to reach its audience. Customers need a relevant, compelling and consistent service to remain loyal to a brand. When your business has many advocates pushing its case in the market, it creates a positive impact on your bottom-line.
On the long run, one positive customer experience reduces the number of service inquiries that you get. The customers who are loyal to your brand begin to share their good times with others. The place of good customer service goes beyond the one on one relationship you share with your customers. It is important to entrench your brand and connect with your market through the multiple channels that are available. With a careful forecast, investment and plan, any business can be able to position their brand as leaders with a viable Omni channel framework.
How to get rid of your excess inventory from retail shelves?
Available statistic shows that about 20 to 40% of most business’ capital is tied up in inventory. This portends that any business that mismanages its inventory levels even to a small degree can have a huge challenge on their hands. It can affect their capacity to operate effectively and it can place a huge burden on the Company’s finances. The more inventory any business holds the higher the likelihood of running into costly issues such as tampering, theft, damage and stock excesses, obsolescence and so much more. Also, excess inventory on retail shelves can keep you at the mercy of market fluctuations in commodity value.
Here are things you can do to get rid of excess inventory from retail shelves:
Flow with the Market
When the market value of a good dips significantly below what you paid when you were acquiring them, keeping hold of a sizeable quantity of those goods can affect your business. As any effective inventory manager will admit, there is no way to completely insulate yourself from overstock. However, you can run with a plan that helps you reduce your inventory to optimum levels. This would also aid the financial state of your business and position you for other great prospects.
The major goal of controlling your inventory level is to ensure you have enough to match the fluctuations in customer demand. You do not need to tie your cash in maintaining unnecessary stock. You can reduce inventory by communicating effectively down the supply chain. The engagements at each stage must be in sync and data driven. This will ensure that goods reach your customers without interruption while the safety stock requirements will be kept to a minimum. Some organizations use inventory management software to fulfill this role. Every process manager across the distribution channel is can be properly positioned to work with up to date data which creates effectiveness.
Get rid of surplus or obsolete inventory
Inventory management software can help a business to identify obsolete or surplus inventory. It is important to earmark the most effective way of taking out obsolete inventory. The long term damage of holding in unnecessary stock outweighs the damage of holding on to it in the short term. There are a number of channels which businesses can use to dispose unwanted inventory. The first thing to do is to categorize the stock that needs to be scrapped or thrown away, those that can be sold off and the stock that can be used within the organization.
You can also negotiate the option of returning surplus stock to the supplier. Closeout and special discount offers is a good avenue to increase customer demand and move excess inventory. Goods which are sold at a discount in an International market allow the retailer to get back part of his investment while moving the stock. As a last resort, it may be vital to give the goods to a cause or charity which will create some goodwill in the community or you can simply scrap them.
It is important for a business to invest in running with a good inventory management system. This would help to reduce the challenges in your supply chain while improving your profit margins.