Customer retention tips in manufacturing

Despite an ever tightening economy there is no reason that any good manufacturer needs to lose customers. Customer retention is one of the most important parts of running a business.Even with cutting costs you can still provide your customers will the quality product they have come to expect from you. Because customers are the lifeblood of your business, it becomes crucial to understand how to retain them. Successful manufacturers will know that they are doing all they can to keep their customers and make them happy. Here are some tips for retaining your manufacturing customers-

• Make customer service your top priority-Many loyal customers will tell you that it's not just the products that keep them coming back, but the commitment the business has to customer service. You will need to strive to provide excellent customer service by working to first determine, then understand, then meet the needs of your customers. This is probably the very best way to retain your customers. You can also provide excellent customer service and have a better chance of retaining your customers,by offering a guarantee of your products and services. This way, your customers know that not only do you have confidence in your products, but you are concerned with their happiness as well. Put your guarantees in your marketing materials and let your customer know you will stand behind whatever you make.
• Provide incentives.-Customers will be more willing to stay, and do business with you,they can try a sample or trial run of new products,before committing to one of your products and services.In addition to offering samples or trial runs, you can add value added services, or offer a certain percentage off their next order. Keep in mind that if you are confident enough in your products,that you are willing to give them away, your customers will be more likely to continue to buy them, (especially if you provide incentives for doing so). Another way to retain customers is to be willing to price match. No matter how great your business is with customer service or products, many customers simply want the best deal. This is especially true during tough economic times,where more and more people are making attempts to save money. Let your customers know that you will match competitor prices or offer coupons. This is a great way to retain your customers instead of losing them to competition. You should keep in mind that with providing incentives, however, it's a good idea to create a sense of urgency,by imposing a deadline or expiration date. This will get your current customers to act quickly rather than putting it off, as many tend to do.
• Get feedback-Feedback becomes the lifeline that let you know that you providing your customers with the products and services they need and want. For this reason a great way to ensure you'll retain your customers is to get feed back from them.You can send out email surveys,or fliers, or leave customer comment cards,in your shops. It can help to offer a little incentive,for returning a completed feedback survey. You should also make it easy for them to provide it to you. Have links in your website where they can leave comments, and make it a point to respond to all feedback. This lets your customers know that what they say is important to you. It's critical to note that once you get feedback, you should act on it. Customers like to know you are taking their suggestions,and needs into consideration, so do your best to implement all suggestions that make good business sense. When customers see that you are doing your best to meet their needs, they are more likely to continue to give you their business.