Build Your Gourmet Gift Basket Business With Great Customer Service

Introduction:

Since we began our business, epicureanfoods.com, back in 1993, we have had the priviledge and honor of helping literally thousands of start-up gourmet food gift basket companies grow their businesses.  It can be an incredibly "daunting experience" to try to successfully launch a gourmet gift basket company, but it need not be!  Often, some of the most seemingly complicated business problems can be solved with comparativley simple solutions.  (It may be a whole lot of good old hard work as well, but the solution is not always complex!)

Everyone can relate to poor customer service.  Sadly, we have all experienced it far too often.  Remeber how angry or disappointed you were when you received such shoddy service?  Well, your customers or no different than you or we are.  EVERYONE likes to feel that their business is important and valued.  It is such an obvious point that it is often forgotten.

We are always online researching one thing or another about our own wholesale gourmet foods / gift basket supplies business. Occasionally, we come across excellent articles that are particularly relevant to our gourmet food gift basket industry and we feel compelled to share them with you.  This article, written by esteemed business coach Gregory H Bey, is one of those articles.  In case you missed it, we've reprinted it here.  We urge you to carefully ponder his words.  There is something that we can all learn from him.  Try implementing his ideas about superior customer service in your gourmet gift basket business and watch your sales soar!



Build Your Home Business Offering Superior Service

By Gregory H Bey

One of the biggest complaints customers have against businesses, large and small is "LOUSY CUSTOMER SERVICE".

We have all had the experience of being left hanging on the phone while just trying to get some simple information, or waiting to hear the voice of a live person who can answer a few questions. Recently, I called the U.S. postal service on a working day to see if I could get some information on sending a package to the U.K. Believe it or not, I got a voice mail message telling me to leave my name and phone number and some one would call me back. I COULDN'T BELIEVE IT! I was out-done, flabbergasted! You mean to tell me that a gigantic operation like the U.S. postal service can't afford to hire enough people to answer the phones on a regular working day!

A few weeks ago, I ordered some information from a small mail order company. The order information said that if I sent a check that my order would be delayed until the check cleared. So I sent cash ($16.00). I still didn't get the order for three weeks. When I got the order it was only three pages of information, I don't know how you see it, but I call this poor customer service.


WHAT'S THE PROBLEM?

Why does there seems to be so many companies that don't have a clue when it comes to serving their customers? Why is it that large businesses such as airlines, hotels, car rental companies etc. make the customers jump through hoops just to use their services?  Perhaps some of the companies have grown so big they think the public has no choice but to do business with them. Whatever the reasons may be, poor customer service is bad for business.  I could go on and on giving examples of my experiences of poor customer service. But I'm sure you too could tell poor customer service stories of your own.

The point is, when we spend our money to purchase a product or service, we all feel that our business should be appreciated. In most cases, when we receive poor customer service, we simply take our business elsewhere.


GIVE YOUR CUSTOMERS THE SERVICE THEY DESERVE

The small business entrepreneur must do every thing possible to gain an advantage that will help obtain loyal customers.  Offering your customers "RED CARPET" service will help to ensure a lasting, profitable relationship with your customers.  Offering excellent customer service could mean the difference between success and failure for your business.

This process should begin when a potential customer makes an inquiry about your product or service. When a potential customer wants more information about your business, you should see that this information is in their hands as quickly as possible.

Your sales message should look professional and be truthful. Don't make the mistake of assuming that your potential customer is some kind of idiot by making outrageous, unrealistic claims about what your product, service or program will do for them. Give your customers all of the information they need, so they'll know exactly what they'll receive if they purchase your product or join your program. Make sure that you deliver on every promise you make to your customers.


FORMING A LASTING RELATIONSHIP ONCE YOU MAKE THE FIRST SALE

If you are a small mail order dealer doing business out of your home, you should understand that when a person sends you money through the mail, they are giving you a vote of confidence. You should show your appreciation for their business by providing them with prompt, efficient service. Always make it a point to give them more than they expected to receive.

Establish a line of communications with your customers. Make sure that you provide them a way to contact you by phone, email or fax. Keep in contact with your customers by surprising them with an inexpensive free gift such as a wallet sized calendar with your business name on it. Or include a special offer. Make your customers feel special. Let them know that you value their business.


About the author:  For full details just visit his web site at: http://Go2HomeBiz101.com

Phyllis and Greg Sprout began their company, epicureanfoods.com, in July 1993.  They specialize in supplying hard-to-find gourmet foods and gift basket supplies to gourmet shops, gift shops and gift basket companies across North America. 

They have helped the founders of literally thousands of gift, gourmet food and gift basket companies start and grow their businesses.  Many of these companies remain excellent customers of epicureanfoods.com today.  They can be reached at phyllisandgreg@epicureanfoods.com.