Wrapping It Up Like Starbucks

The other day I rewarded myself with a Starbucks sandwich. They have one called the Italian Grinder and it's to die for. Full of meats, cheese and all kinds of peppers. Just what the doctor ordered!

They swiped my card as usual, and asked me if I'd like my sandwich heated, to which I answered "Yes". After heating it, they gently placed it into a sturdy white bag, rolled it up nice and tight, and put a sticker on it to keep it that way. Then they handed me the sandwich with a million dollar smile, and said they hoped I had a nice day.

It's that treatment of customers for which Starbucks has received so much credit. People everywhere have been rewarding them for some time now because of the experience they have there.

"From Selling Coffee To Making Starbucks Visa Cards"

Maybe you're thinking to yourself, "You must be kidding. All you did was buy a sandwich." But just think how successful Starbucks has been at turning this type of customer service into cash. After all, they're selling coffee and pastries for the most part. Hasn't Dunkin' Doughnuts been doing that for a while now?

But Starbucks has done it so well, that now you can get gift cards, mugs, t-shirts and all sorts of things with the Starbucks name on it. And it sells.

You can even get a Starbucks credit card. Pretty amazing that you can do all that by selling coffee. Isn't America great?!

For certain their success isn't just their customer interaction. The atmosphere and designer coffees are major parts of the experience. But, powerful customer one on one is a must if they want to keep making those trips to the bank.

But you don't have to be Starbucks to offer that type of personal touch. You can do the same thing, and have people love you for it. They'll truly appreciate your consideration of them. They'll feel like you've given them rewards for being there, and they'll want to come back.

"Giving Starbuck Like Rewards"

So, how can you give your customers rewards like Starbucks? Here's three things you can do to put a personal touch on the experience of your customers in the same way Starbucks does.

Reward #1 Give Them Your Attention

There are few things that you appreciate more than when someone gives you their undivided attention. As much as you can, you should try and do that with each of your customers. It will truly make them feel like you care.

If you're treating them like you're in a hurry and need them to leave, then they will and they'll take their cash with them. Not what you're shooting for.

There have been many times that I've gone to shows or fairs and seen people sitting in their booth reading a book or watching TV. Do you think that's communicating to customers you care and are glad they came? Not hardly.

Being distracted when customers come by is one of the fastest ways to kill a sale. Have you ever been talking to someone and they are constantly distracted with something else? You immediately get the sense that they really aren't listening to you and you're bothering them. It's very frustrating.

You need to be ready to engage customers. You need to show them you want them to stop at your booth. You want them to walk away feeling like they got the attention they needed.

Reward #2 Respect Their Purchase

Make it clear to your customers that you respect their purchase. One of the ways you do this is by handling their items with care. It's amazing how little gestures like this can make such a difference, but they do.

Remember what I said above about how Starbucks did it? The sturdy bag, rolled tightly, with a sticker to keep the sandwich rolled up. All of that contributed to the experience during and after the sale.

Think for a minute of what that contributes to the sale. First, the bag. It was thick so it will help to keep the sandwich hot, and also keep anything from leaking through the bag. In other words, they didn't skimp on the bag, and I appreciate that.

Second, they didn't just bag the item, they packaged it. Anyone can just throw an item in a bag and hand it to a customer. But rolling the sandwich up tight and putting a sticker on it to keep it that way is packaging a product.

When you package a product, your putting a personal touch on it. You're making the customer feel like they're purchase is important and special. It's important enough for you to take just a moment longer to make sure the job is done right.

The sticker on the bag just seems to complete the sale. Maybe I got so many stickers in Sunday school and at the doctor that now I just jump for joy at getting one - could be. But I almost feel like I'm getting a prize even though I just paid for it.

Maybe all of that sounds a bit ridiculous to you. But little things like that can go a long way in making a customer feel like you're really taking care of them and deeply appreciate them.

Reward #3 Show Them Genuineness

Show your personal interest in people by getting to know them. That fosters good relationships which is what you want as a business owner.

Some people act as if they don't really want to talk with customers. If that's true, then this probably isn't a business for you. This kind of business is about getting to know people.

People will certainly be able to tell if you have a genuine interest in them, or if you're a phony just trying to get their money.

As much as possible, take the time to get to know people. I know this can be hard to do when you have a lot of people in your booth. But, for certain when things are slow, take the time to talk.

Everyone has their own story to tell, and they love to tell it. You taking the time to listen to their story can mean everything to them. Some people like to make new friends, some are lonely, and some just like to talk. Whatever the case, be ready to listen.

If you can't talk to them much right then, try to be as interactive as possible, and get contact information if possible. That gives opportunity for further contact and future sales.

These are just a few things that you can do to make the experience of your customers a rewarding one. If you do, they will certainly return the reward.