Have you ever taken a step back to consider what draws you to the places you love to shop and why you always want to go back for more?  Here are some ideas you may want to incorporate into your handmade creative business to keep your customers happy and coming back for more.

1. Free Gift Wrapping

Many people love to shop, but hate to wrap!  If you know a customer is buying your product as a gift, offering a courtesy gift wrap is such a nice bonus.  It makes your customer’s life a little easier.  Little extra touches like these go a long way to building a loyal customer base.  If you’re challenged when it comes to gift wrapping, go visit Hideous! Dreadful! Stinky’s Gift Wrapping Tutorial for a refresher.

2. Thank You Notes

Showing appreciation for your customers makes them appreciate you!  If you have the time, handmade thank you’s will surely delight.  If you don’t have the time to make handmade thank you’s or to write a personalized note, a simple handwritten “thank you” on their receipt lets them know that you care.  I even like it when waiters do this!

3. Promotions or Giveaways

Give customers a discount for a future purchase or throw a little extra something in to show your gratitude for their purchase.  This gives them obvious incentive to come back for more.

4. Custom Requests

Listen to what your customers are asking for and if you have the capacity, allow for them to place custom requests.  If it makes it easier for you, you can build some parameters around the type of custom requests people can make.  Dave and Chiyo do this exceptionally well on Etsy with customizable clutches by identifying the styles, colors, and frames that customers can choose from along with instructions on how order them.

5. Care in Packaging

Give your package some TLC!  This goes from the display of the product itself to shipping.   In your rush to get a product order out the door, remember that your packaging is also a reflection of you and your business.   Many people spend more on packaging than the product itself!   It’s your first opportunity to impress your customer, so take advantage of it!  Make sure that anything fragile is safe, wrap everything tastefully, and remember to brand yourself through your packaging.  Great packaging can transform your business, especially if you want to distinguish yourself from your competitors.  For some great inspiration, check out this blog post by Paperie Boutique!

6. Accurate Representation

Make sure your photos and product description accurately reflect what you’re selling.  When it comes to the product a customer is purchasing, make sure that what they see is what they get.

7. Provide Extra Information

Help your customers visualize uses for your product. (i.e.- My handmade soap makes the perfect gift for the smelly fisherman, made with olive oil and shea butter with extracts of citrus,  once used, it’s sure to leave the stench behind).

8. Share your Story

Show your customers who you are by telling them a little about yourself and why you’re passionate about your products.  One great way to do so is by writing a great personal profile.

9. Provide a Money Back Guarantee

The confidence you have in your products will carry over to your customers.  By providing a personal guarantee, your customers will know they are buying from someone who stands by their products (It’s ok to set some limitations on this, like setting your guarantee for a reasonable amount of time or offering repairs in lieu of returning money if an item is damaged).

10. Quick Turnaround

Whether it’s getting an order shipped or responding to an email or phone inquiry, replying quickly is a sure way to please.

I hope these tips help to bring smiles to your customers’ faces.  What other techniques do you use to make your customers happy?  Or what makes you a happy customer?