How do you get repeat custom?

by | Jan 5, 2021

How can you get repeat custom?

Repeat custom – that is getting existing customers to make another purchase is sought after by many businesses – whether in a business to business or business to consumer environment.

Repeat custom is something that many businesses would like but only some enjoy. To get repeat custom you need a product or service that people need to buy more than once – or you need to have add-ons that people can purchase. For example a kitchen retailer is not likely to sell an individual more than one kitchen in the space of 10 years, however they may diversify their offering to include wardrobes or office storage in order to encourage repeat custom.

Once you are clear on what you want people to purchase (and develop range extensions if necessary) the key thing that develops customer loyalty (repeat custom) is a good product and service. Note – not “or” service. It is the experience of the purchase that will also influence the decision of whether to repeat buy or not. And whatever you and your business thinks about the promises you make – from initial contact through marketing all through the customer journey and every touchpoint through to post-purchase follow-up, it is the customer that knows and experiences the reality. It is a mis-match between the two can end the possibility of repeat custom.

Having a single, consistent, customer-orientated agenda throughout your organisation will help ensure that everyone delivers the ‘brand promise’. It shouldn’t just be down to the sales and marketing people. Finance, HR, IT, everyone needs to buy in to this attitude and belief to create an effective customer culture.

Neilsen research shows that there has been a shift in customer loyalty since 2013 and switching brands, retailers or service providers is now more readily influenced by price. (70% vs 54% in 2013). Whilst it is never sensible to compete on price it is worth noting that customers are more fickle than they ever have been and that to retain customers you will need to ensure a strong level of brand loyalty.

Successful brands use psychology to create loyalty. Throughout our life we are establishing our own identify and wanting to build relationships with people around us that are in some way “like us”. Being identified with a brand is a useful shortcut to achieving this. As consumers we buy into the image that is associated with the brand and so it becomes part of who we are. Interestingly we use our consumerism to signal to people around us who we are.

Additionally there is a thought process involved in choosing one brand over another that works like a medical placebo – there can be a change in the customer’s feelings – people genuinely believe in brand benefits – and will go as far as to recommend them to others. Loyalty is often confused with familiarity – we are creatures of habit and change is uncomfortable. As a result of this we find it easier to shop in the same store week in, week out, rather than go to an alternative; simply because we are unfamiliar with the layout, the brands on offer, the service etc.,

There are some marketing tips to help build repeat custom beyond the brand loyalty psychology. There is the all too obvious loyalty card scheme – however the reward need to have a perceived value greater than the purchases they have made. Buying 6 cups of coffee to get 1 free just isn’t going to generate significant loyalty or repeat custom these days. If you are launching a loyalty scheme or points collection scheme, think about the reward at the start of the process – there has to be something in it for the customer.  The sole objective isn’t to boost your sales and profits.

Sending reminders to people can also generate repeat custom. Insurance companies have this down to a fine art. Reminders about house, car, pet insurances – a constant stream of prompts.

If you are mailing a product then use fast delivery. As a customer being delighted that an items arrives next day is likely to drive repeat use of your outlet. Equally consider the packaging and presentation of your products. Make your customer feel special when they open their package.

Send thank you notes, include them in your packages or sales bags; or if you have just finished a contract send a thank you card – make your client feel appreciated and special.

If you get a customer complaint, deal with it. A customer has taken the time to reach out to you – to engage – so deal with it properly. An effective rectification of a problem can illustrate your customer service and ironically lead to repeat business.

Keep your brand name top of mind – stay in touch with your customers – by phone, email, social – which ever channel they use and respond to.

If you have a database of customers segment them – use their shopping habits to drive the messages that you send them.

It costs between 4 and 10 times as much to find a new customer as it does to hold on to an existing one. Value your customers and they will value you.

If you’re interested in increasing your repeat business – then get in touch for a chat!

Let’s Work Together

07903 387143

deborah@aer8marketing.co.uk