Getting customers through your doors is one thing, however, failing to make a purchase or even return at a later date, can leave many small business owners wondering where they’ve gone wrong. You may have the best products at all the right prices and have no problem with the levels of footfall within your retail outlet, but why aren’t customers getting over the line?
Focusing on the customer experience could be the answer. If your customers aren’t enticed by all the elements of your store, then it’s unlikely that they’ll make a purchase or share their experience with friends and family. In this post, we’ll examine how small businesses can enhance the shopping experience of their customers and get more sales as a result.
Improve Your Payment Processes
If making a purchase is made difficult for your customers, if it’s long and drawn out, inaccurate or simply inconvenient, then you’re already losing a vast number of potential sales. You can easily transform the customer experience in your store when you get a credit card reader, and invest in contactless payment readers that streamline the entire process. Whether you’re in a traditional brick and mortar store, you’re in a food truck moving around the neighbourhood during the lunchtime rush or you’re still battling with a traditional chip and pin machine in your gift shop, updating your payment procedures means happier customers, more sales and convenience for everyone.
Focus on Your Staff Training
You might have grand ideas to enhance the customer experience, but if your staff aren’t on the same page, then your ideas aren’t going to be put into effect properly. Ensure that your staff are all on the same page when it comes to enhancing the shopping experience. That they’re up to date with how the technology and processes in your store work, they have good knowledge of your products and are consistently helpful.
Ensure Your Store is Child-Friendly
You may not specifically target your products at children, however, if parents are going to bring their children into the store, then catering to their needs can encourage parents to take their time and hopefully make a purchase. They’ll also be more inclined to return to a store that welcomes children and tell their friends about it. A child-friendly store could mean happy, friendly staff, somewhere for little ones to sit, and items that will keep them engaged such as colouring, small toys, or even books.
Host Events At Your Store
You don’t have to be in a huge venue with a large bar in order to host local events. Whether you’re a small eatery, a little bookshop, or a gift store, hosting events such as local music and live bands, a free face painting day for little ones, or even taste testing for the new line of sweets you’re hoping to sell in your candy shop, by making your store more immersive and interactive, you can enhance the shopping experience and make more sales.
Final Thoughts…
The customer experience doesn’t have to be complicated, consider the ideas above to encourage more sales and get your customers returning time and time again.
