Serving the Customer is Good Marketing

Marketing isn't always done with advertsing. Part of marketing is making sure that the customer goes away happy.

That means not selling to a customer something that they don't need, even though it might be the loss of a sale for you.

It's not worth the short term immediate gain of a few dollars, for the risk of an unsatisfied client, who will definately never come back. In addition, that unsatisfied client may happen to let all their friends and family know that they are unhappy with your store.

By comparison, if you actually help the customer by telling them what they need, they will be happy to recommend you to many others. Which in turn will result in much more gain in the long run.

The better bet is to tell the truth. Let the customer know what they need, even though you might not be selling it. One day, when they do need something that you sell, they will come straight to you (most probably without looking anywhere else).

Eventually word of mouth will get around, and you will have good free publicity because the potential customers will know that they can trust you.

When a business is so desparate to sell, they forget how to serve the customer. Focus on helping the customer instead.

Remember, every interaction with a customer is a potential marketing opportunity. Make sure they leave with a smile on their face, and you will reap the rewards.