Devoted to small businesses and those who run them

Customers can be fickle. After all, like small business owners, they are usually rushed for time.

It doesn't take much to lose a good customer.

They expect you to deliver on your business value proposition - what your business says they offer, in a timely and professional fashion.

They may give you one chance, if you're lucky. But don't count on it. On the other hand, a happy customer can be your best advocate. 

It's easy to lose a good customer if there are glitches such as -

1. rude or insensitive staff
2. errors or delays in supply or delivery
3. range not suitable or a changed focus
4. price hikes and ripoffs
5. misunderstandings
6. erratic opening hours & staff availability
7. lackluster customer service
8. offhand or abrupt phone communicaton
9. not feeling like a valued customer or client
10. poor response with returning phone calls
11. not responding to emails in a timely manner
12. unprofessional emails or poor email etiquette
13. not keeping customers in the loop with special orders

Think Like A Customer
As a small business owner, think like a customer. What are the things that annoy you most when you deal with a company, consultant, restaurant or retail store staff?

Poor Customer Service -Red Flags
These are the same red flags you need to be alert to in your own business, to avoid losing customers. It's  a basic business principle to "under promise and over deliver."

Another red flag is that most people don't complain. They just don't come back.