Be Their Associate Buyer

You may have heard the adage, "Don't sell them, help the buy" and it is wise advice. Do you customers but several items in specific categories but you can only supply some of those items? Why not take over their entire ordering function in that category. You can keep records of prices, inventory and order frequency on your computer and give them monthly reports.

Provide a complete order-management service, which you can do easily and inexpensively in your own office. You can even set up a file or site with a password so only they can get in and view their reports at any time. You can do this free or charge a small service fee for this convenience that they might not be able to get elsewhere. It will be difficult for these customers to discontinue your service without a painful transition.

Barry is a speaker, business author and business coach (by-the-hour only as needed). www.idealetter.com