In the last installment of this blog, we at pcAmerica offered three strategies for keeping customers coming back. Here are three more.

4.    Pay attention. Acknowledge when a customer might have special circumstances. For example, if parents are dining with some less-than-cooperative children and your restaurant isn’t too busy, do something to distract the youngsters for a few minutes so the adults can enjoy the rest of their meal. Put the kids at an empty table near Mom and Dad and let them color on some placemats. Offer them a closer look at the fish tank. Notice a stressed-out customer in your store? Offer her a hot beverage and a small “harried shopper” discount of a few dollars. Even if whatever you do here only takes a few seconds, the customer will remember it for a long time to come.

5.    Establish traditions and memories customers will associate with your store or restaurant. For instance, if you sell apparel, hold periodic mother-daughter or “girls’ night out” shopping or dining events. Own a pet shop? Invite customers to bring their furry friends to your store for an annual birthday or holiday photo or special party.

6.   Create an experience.  Many retail stores and restaurants businesses today risk becoming viewed as commodities in customers’ eyes. When consumers feeling like they can get a certain level of service or merchandise from any local establishment, they may patronize the competition as frequently as they do your own store or foodservice operation. The only way to prevent this is to create an experience for your customers that they want to keep repeating. For instance, become known as the store that serves them freshly baked cookies and coffee from the best place in town while they shop. Answer or return their telephone calls. Start every conversation by asking them and needs. Provide a postcard about your store or restaurant that they can keep for more information or to send to one of their friends or family members. The options are endless; you just have to find the right one.

Having in place top-notch retail or restaurant point of sale systems also helps retailers and restaurant owners stand apart from the competition. pcAmerica can provide that technology—and much more. For more information, visit www.pcamerica.com.