37 replies
I could use some suggestions on what business' keep a list of their customers.

For example most restaurants and bars do not.

Do beauty shops?

and so on.

Just want to see what warriors have to say.

Thanks
Russ
#business #local
  • Profile picture of the author M4UNow
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    • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
      Hi Gina, you are so right, business' spend all their time and money looking for new customers when they already have a goldmine with existing customers.

      I have a multitude of services to offer a business with a customer list, or teach them how to create one and use it.

      Lets get more ideas here.

      Russ
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  • Profile picture of the author Quentin
    I have found it depends mainly on the owner or management.

    I have met small businesses that do and large ones that don't and visa versa.

    Quentin
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    • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
      Originally Posted by Quentin View Post

      I have found it depends mainly on the owner or management.

      I have met small businesses that do and large ones that don't and visa versa.

      Quentin
      Isnt it amazing how many business' dont know what they have?
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  • Profile picture of the author Klaas
    I've worked in an electronics store, we kept a list of all customers. Then proceeded to do absolutely nothing with it..

    I like this example: there's a supermarket in the Netherlands which offers a discount card. It's registered on someone's name, zip code, etc. After shopping, you need to scan the card to get the discount. So the supermarket knowns exactly who buys which products. They use this for marketing
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    • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
      Originally Posted by Klaas View Post

      I've worked in an electronics store, we kept a list of all customers. Then proceeded to do absolutely nothing with it..

      I like this example: there's a supermarket in the Netherlands which offers a discount card. It's registered on someone's name, zip code, etc. After shopping, you need to scan the card to get the discount. So the supermarket knowns exactly who buys which products. They use this for marketing
      Thats an EXCELLENT idea.
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    • Profile picture of the author HenrikPoulsen
      Originally Posted by Klaas View Post

      I've worked in an electronics store, we kept a list of all customers. Then proceeded to do absolutely nothing with it..

      I like this example: there's a supermarket in the Netherlands which offers a discount card. It's registered on someone's name, zip code, etc. After shopping, you need to scan the card to get the discount. So the supermarket knowns exactly who buys which products. They use this for marketing
      Very true.

      Here In Denmark a chain of auto parts dealers require a phone number (from witch they can find an address etc.) but does absolutely nothing with it other than ask for your phone number next time you do business in their stores.

      They would be able to use the information together with a number of local auto shops (though they are semi competitors) and what about selling the information to local towing services they can use in their marketing etc.

      I think that if you really think about it many small businesses do not realize the potential they have in their existing customers.

      One company that does understand the value of existing customers here in Denmark is the phone/internet supplier Telenord. They instruct their support team to up-sell every customer they talk to during the day, in effect making their support service a regular goldmine rather than the usual business expense.

      Just my 2 cents...

      Kind regards
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      • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
        I dont know about selling your customer info, If I was your customer and knew you were doing that, I wouldnt come back.

        If your in that niche of selling customer info thats different.


        Thanks for the input
        Russ
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        • Profile picture of the author HenrikPoulsen
          Originally Posted by russmarsha View Post

          I dont know about selling your customer info, If I was your customer and knew you were doing that, I wouldnt come back.

          If your in that niche of selling customer info thats different.


          Thanks for the input
          Russ

          Naturally you are right I was thinking faster than my reasoning, selling customer information would be a somewhat slippery slope to venture out on..

          Thank you for the correction
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    • Profile picture of the author tpw
      Originally Posted by Klaas View Post

      I've worked in an electronics store, we kept a list of all customers. Then proceeded to do absolutely nothing with it.
      I worked for an electronics store too...

      Every customer went into the store database, for warranty and service purposes...

      In the store, we could not pull the customer data without a name or telephone number...

      And corporate did not do anything with the data either, because I was on their big-ticket item customer list, and I never received a single snail mail from the company, in the seven years since I was added to their computer database...
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      Bill Platt, Oklahoma USA, PlattPublishing.com
      Publish Coloring Books for Profit (WSOTD 7-30-2015)
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      • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
        Originally Posted by tpw View Post

        I worked for an electronics store too...

        Every customer went into the store database, for warranty and service purposes...

        In the store, we could not pull the customer data without a name or telephone number...

        And corporate did not do anything with the data either, because I was on their big-ticket item customer list, and I never received a single snail mail from the company, in the seven years since I was added to their computer database...
        Boy it always amazes me how much money a company will leave on the table by not using their own assets.
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        • Profile picture of the author SDenham
          You just gave me a great idea for how to get my boss out of the MDA's "Jailed for good" prison.

          we have to raise a certain amount of money before the "court date" and now, I know how we're going to do it. Thanks
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          http://ReleaseTheWuss.com
          Techniques and tools to increase your Alpha Male energy RIGHT NOW and have more luck with the ladies!
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          • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
            Originally Posted by SDenham View Post

            You just gave me a great idea for how to get my boss out of the MDA's "Jailed for good" prison.

            we have to raise a certain amount of money before the "court date" and now, I know how we're going to do it. Thanks
            Well good luck, if it works I think a raise is in your future.
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  • Profile picture of the author Razer_Thomas
    some suggestions on what business' keep a list of their customers

    For the right quality, steak lovers are willing to pay a little more. A mid-scale restaurant that can offer great steak, friendly staff, competitive prices and quality service could prove to be an extremely rewarding business venture for someone who enjoys hard work and working with people, both employees and customers.
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    • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
      Gina, Im going to pm you.

      Russ
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  • Profile picture of the author MichaelHiles
    Actually, a lot of restaurant chains DO keep a "list"... they have loyalty programs that require registration. Mom & Pop places, not so much.
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  • Profile picture of the author sknollii
    Prior to hopping into the IM world (8 years ago ;-) I owned and operated 5 restaurants. When we started we spent a fair amount of money with an ad agency to develop materials for the stores. They did great work for us and we loved the materials they created... but we could not track one bit of the efforts they undertook.

    The next step was us leaving them and taking over all of our marketing. We spent a ton of time and effort building an email database and a mailing list as well. That was when we realized the power of what we had. A simple mailer to the right section of our list would produce a great influx of business any time we wanted.

    Yes... the money was in the list.

    Now to comment on the initial question I have to agree with some of the other posters. I think it has to do with who is handling the marketing for any business. That may be the owner or it may be a person or group of people.

    I don't think you can peg a type of business as it varies from establishment to establishment.

    Onward & Upward!

    Sam Knoll
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    • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
      Originally Posted by sknollii View Post

      Prior to hopping into the IM world (8 years ago ;-) I owned and operated 5 restaurants. When we started we spent a fair amount of money with an ad agency to develop materials for the stores. They did great work for us and we loved the materials they created... but we could not track one bit of the efforts they undertook.

      The next step was us leaving them and taking over all of our marketing. We spent a ton of time and effort building an email database and a mailing list as well. That was when we realized the power of what we had. A simple mailer to the right section of our list would produce a great influx of business any time we wanted.

      Yes... the money was in the list.

      Now to comment on the initial question I have to agree with some of the other posters. I think it has to do with who is handling the marketing for any business. That may be the owner or it may be a person or group of people.

      I don't think you can peg a type of business as it varies from establishment to establishment.

      Onward & Upward!

      Sam Knoll

      This is great info to learn from, Thanks for the input.
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  • Profile picture of the author sknollii
    One other thing to think on.

    The one stumbling block for many mom and pop establishments is the initial cost to venture into a well conceived loyalty program. If they do step forward and try it they never look back.

    Snail mail is also one of the best mediums for restaurant marketing. The pieces have to be well conceived and they must work with the menu so they are actually breaking even (bringing in new customers) or making money keepinbg exsisting customers happy.

    Sam
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    • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
      "Snail mail is also one of the best mediums for restaurant marketing. The pieces have to be well conceived and they must work with the menu so they are actually breaking even (bringing in new customers) or making money keepinbg exsisting customers happy."

      I agree totally with the snail mail, not just for restaurants, but all businesses
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    • Profile picture of the author AndrewCavanagh
      Originally Posted by sknollii View Post

      Snail mail is also one of the best mediums for restaurant marketing. The pieces have to be well conceived and they must work with the menu so they are actually breaking even (bringing in new customers) or making money keeping exsisting customers happy.

      Very true.

      Also the telephone if you're smart about how you use it.

      Staff or the owner can call selected high value diners a week or two before their birthday (for example) and offer them a free meal.

      No one eats alone on their birthday and most people drink...some quite a lot...so giving a free meal for the person who has the birthday can be quite profitable.

      I'm always amazed that in the US where many local calls are free businesses don't use the phone more in creative ways.



      On the topic of the thread it's already been said...it depends on the business who keeps a list.

      Also you didn't define what kind of list.

      Many businesses do have some kind of records of purchases that will include many contact details (although not necessarily an email address)...for example details from credit card transactions or various kinds of written receipts for larger ticket items.

      This information can often be converted to a list that can be called on the phone or sent snail mail to get them to optin to an email list and/or take up some kind of special offer.

      If you get them to optin to an email list remember you can make an offer right there on the thank you page of the sign up which may pay for the cost of using snail mail...it could even make the business a substantial profit.

      Kindest regards,
      Andrew Cavanagh
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  • Profile picture of the author sknollii
    Actually you are right. Virtually any business can do great things with Snail Mail.

    Most marketers try not to use it as there are immediate costs involved. That hurts to pump those dollars out. The kicker ends up being what is the ROI on those dollars spent. If it is positive then why not.

    Again though the key is understanding the business doing the marketing. You have to know what costs are involved immediately and what effect it will have long term, as well. If it is designed right it can be a gold mine.

    Onward & Upward,

    Sam Knoll
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    • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
      Yup Roi is what its all about.
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  • Profile picture of the author Herschel-W
    Lawyers, Accountants, Engineers...
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    • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
      Originally Posted by Herschel-W View Post

      Lawyers, Accountants, Engineers...
      Thanks Herschel anymore examples out there?
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  • Profile picture of the author James Foster
    I think it'd be a smaller list of who shouldn't keep a list of clients...

    People who do/should are:
    dentists
    chiropractors
    CPAs
    financial advisors
    restaurants
    jewelers
    pc repair shops
    plumbers
    electricians
    florists
    carpet cleaners
    furniture stores

    And that's just the tip of the iceberg. It'd be a little easier to help you out if you told us what product or service you're trying to provide.
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    • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
      Originally Posted by James Foster View Post

      I think it'd be a smaller list of who shouldn't keep a list of clients...

      People who do/should are:
      dentists
      chiropractors
      CPAs
      financial advisors
      restaurants
      jewelers
      pc repair shops
      plumbers
      electricians
      florists
      carpet cleaners
      furniture stores

      And that's just the tip of the iceberg. It'd be a little easier to help you out if you told us what product or service you're trying to provide.
      Thanks Jamie nice list, thats what im looking for, as far as what service im trying to provide, again as i said earlier I have many services geared towards customers with big customer lists, or businesses that want to learn how to create them.

      Thanks again

      Russ
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      • Profile picture of the author Entreprenette
        Hey Russ,

        Check out facebook, in particular fan pages. Many businesses aren't educated in this incredibly powerful tool yet, especially for building a list, but some of the bigger companies are up and running with fully fledged fan pages including an opt in page which collects names and addresses aswell as getting fans on their page.

        If you have a look through pages, you'll see which companies have opt in forms and are actively collecting names and addresses!

        I predict over the next few years the number will accelerate dramatically!

        Jo
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        • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
          Great tip Jo Thanks
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        • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
          Originally Posted by Entreprenette View Post

          Hey Russ,

          Check out facebook, in particular fan pages. Many businesses aren't educated in this incredibly powerful tool yet, especially for building a list, but some of the bigger companies are up and running with fully fledged fan pages including an opt in page which collects names and addresses aswell as getting fans on their page.

          If you have a look through pages, you'll see which companies have opt in forms and are actively collecting names and addresses!

          I predict over the next few years the number will accelerate dramatically!

          Jo
          Hey Jo, I took your advise, I did a search on google with the term facebook "your town state"

          I got all the facebook pages from my local area, VERY COOL

          Thanks a bunch
          Russ
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  • Profile picture of the author HenrikPoulsen
    Ohh and another great example I have from my personal experience.

    Kitchen design firms.

    I worked at one of the more exclusive kichen design chains here in Denmark for some time before the financial crisis, and they have extensive registers going back 10-20 years on customers and projects.

    More than once I found myself wondering why they don't try to make this information useful? Perhaps find every single customer that purchased a kitchen/bathroom etc more than 5 years ago and call them to offer a free service (straightening the cabinet doors, aligning the drawers etc) and instruct the service technichian to try and sell the customer a personal presentation of new products in the local store etc...

    I would assume many different businesses have a similar situation that can be exploided...
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    • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
      Originally Posted by HenrikPoulsen View Post

      Ohh and another great example I have from my personal experience.

      Kitchen design firms.



      More than once I found myself wondering why they don't try to make this information useful? Perhaps find every single customer that purchased a kitchen/bathroom etc more than 5 years ago and call them to offer a free service (straightening the cabinet doors, aligning the drawers etc) and instruct the service technichian to try and sell the customer a personal presentation of new products in the local store etc...

      I would assume many different businesses have a similar situation that can be exploided...
      Excellent example I think.
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    • Profile picture of the author HenrikPoulsen
      Originally Posted by HenrikPoulsen View Post

      Ohh and another great example I have from my personal experience.

      Kitchen design firms.

      I worked at one of the more exclusive kichen design chains here in Denmark for some time before the financial crisis, and they have extensive registers going back 10-20 years on customers and projects.

      More than once I found myself wondering why they don't try to make this information useful? Perhaps find every single customer that purchased a kitchen/bathroom etc more than 5 years ago and call them to offer a free service (straightening the cabinet doors, aligning the drawers etc) and instruct the service technichian to try and sell the customer a personal presentation of new products in the local store etc...

      I would assume many different businesses have a similar situation that can be exploided...
      One thing I forgot to mention is that this company has a lifetime warranty on its products so it would be even more relevant to offer this service at 5-10-15 years intervals

      They even had market research that stated most home owners purchase a new kitchen every 8 years (They only used this information to attract new customers though)
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  • Profile picture of the author zinally
    Normally a local business who really have the list of customer are the delivery services such as food caterers, bridal stores, food delivery services, mass distribution mail order, rental services and so on.However I do not know if they can give you the list. I normally use the survey techniques to get list from fairs and trade expo.
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    • Profile picture of the author brandon_holcomb
      I would have to say that 95% of business's out there maintain some type of list. The problem comes when business's try to market to there list first rather then establishing a relationship based on trust. Most just go out and assume they can sell every single time to their customers/clients. When in fact that is 100% the wrong way to go about it. The right way Use the list to promote individual clients / customers birthdays big events etc through the list and then offer a special promo for that person. They will come in a big thing now is sending a prepaid stored value card with say 10 to 20 bucks on it cause you know they will come in and celebrate and spend 2 to 3 times as much in some cases more then that. Restaurants and hair salons are great for that kind of sales technique. Truth = there is a birthday every day. Birthdays are not usually celebrated alone
      Signature

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      • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
        Originally Posted by brandon_holcomb View Post

        I would have to say that 95% of business's out there maintain some type of list. The problem comes when business's try to market to there list first rather then establishing a relationship based on trust. Most just go out and assume they can sell every single time to their customers/clients. When in fact that is 100% the wrong way to go about it. The right way Use the list to promote individual clients / customers birthdays big events etc through the list and then offer a special promo for that person. They will come in a big thing now is sending a prepaid stored value card with say 10 to 20 bucks on it cause you know they will come in and celebrate and spend 2 to 3 times as much in some cases more then that. Restaurants and hair salons are great for that kind of sales technique. Truth = there is a birthday every day. Birthdays are not usually celebrated alone
        Thanks Brandon, one of the earlier comments was talking about customer loyalty cards used by a grocery store, How can you reward a customer better than that, Great Idea.
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    • Profile picture of the author russmarsha
      Originally Posted by zinally View Post

      Normally a local business who really have the list of customer are the delivery services such as food caterers, bridal stores, food delivery services, mass distribution mail order, rental services and so on.However I do not know if they can give you the list. I normally use the survey techniques to get list from fairs and trade expo.
      Hi

      No I dont think they will give me their list, at least they shouldn't.

      As far as getting peoples info from fairs and trade shows, I see that all the time, mostly with give away offers. Most of the time when you fill in one of those forms you get bombarded with junk mail, they must sell the names, unless your at a particular businesses booth.

      Thanks for the input
      Russ
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