Running a business requires a lot of knowledge. As a small business owner, you need to know where to incorporate (https://www.maxfilings.com/us-incorporation.php) , what types of business to choose, how to manage employees, when to hire (and fire), who to market to, and much, much more.
Above all though, you need to understand your customers.
Shoppers can come in all shapes and sizes, but there are five main customer-types you can count on seeing in your business or organization on a regular basis. These are:
1. The Loyal Patrons
First up, you’ve got your loyal patrons. These are the customers who regularly come back to your business or organization. Even though they are usually less in numbers than other groups of consumers, loyal customers generate more sales and profit on a regular basis compared to other shoppers. Make sure to keep your devoted customers wholly satisfied by investing lots of time and effort into meeting their needs. These patrons want personal attention and friendly service in return for their loyalty. Be sure to give it to them.
2. The Bargain Hunters
Second is the discount customer. Like the patrons, discount shoppers are usually fairly regular visitors, but they only engage with a business when a product they want or need is offered at low cost deals. The better the bargain, the higher their chances are of making a purchase. By accommodating the needs of the discount customers through clearances and specials, you can tap into a significant source of revenue.
3. The Impulse Buyers
Thirdly, we have the impulsive customers who are particularly challenging to cater to because they don’t have any one item on the top of their shopping list, but rather they come into a store on a whim. These unpredictable shoppers will buy what seems good at the time. If handled the right way, impulse buyers can become a large chunk of sales.
4. The In-and-Out Customer
Up fourth is the need-based customer who comes in to buy a specific item only. This type of consumer is difficult to satisfy because they come in, get what they need, and jet out before you even have a chance to say hello. Your goal should be to efficiently and positively introduce them new brands and show them why other products are worth a try.
5. The Wandering Shoppers
Lastly, there’s the wandering customer. You know who they are: slowly shuffling around, hands in their pockets, looking, touching, but never buying. These are the least profitable type of shoppers. To turn wandering customers into active shoppers, try informing them about the features of your products or services in order to spark interest.
In the end, it’s the customers, not the owner, who have the biggest say on whether a business succeeds or fails. You can have the best business strategy in the world, but without a basic awareness of customer needs and desires, your bottom line will hit rock bottom in record time.
