Soliciting Customers from Failing Competitors Cheshire CT
www.secondstageconsulting.com
New Haven, CT
203-453-5235
Guilford, CT
860-770-8548
Waterbury, CT
1-800-809-0059
New Britain, CT
203 457-1945
Guilford, CT
203-453-1642
Guilford, CT
Soliciting Customers from Failing Competitors
A failing economy certainly presents challenges to any small business. It could also provide opportunity when competitors are forced to shut down because of tough times, leaving in their wake customers that your business can bring into the fold. If a competitor closes its doors, consider the following tips to bolster your customer base and your business: 1. Honor gift cards and coupons of competitors. When businesses fail, customers who have gift cards for that business' merchandise often lose their money. If a competitor goes under, make a point of letting its customers know that you'll honor any gift cards and coupons. In the short run it will cost you, but you may be gaining a long-term customer. 2. Buy competitors' customer lists. When businesses file for bankruptcy, they liquidate their assets so they can pay off as many debts as possible. A competitor's customer list can provide you with a priceless marketing vehicle since you would have access to people who have already proven to be interested in your products or services. Approach competitors as soon as you know they're going out of business to see if you can strike a deal. 3. Make a direct appeal. If you can gain access to a closing business' customer base, talk to those customers directly, telling them that your business is ready to serve them. While a direct mailer could be an effective way to do this if you have actual customer addresses, don't rule out the display of posters or fliers in the gene... |
