Since 1975, Weaver Nut Company has been a family-run business focused on customers and making sure their days end better than they started. We had humble beginnings as a Mom and Pop shop, and after nearly five decades in business, we’ve grown into a premier bulk food supplier in the industry.
As a wholesale food supplier to customers across the country, we understand that small businesses are some of our biggest clients. Mom and Pop shops have been the lifeblood of the American economy for a long time and are integral to markets both big and small.
Customers should be the number one priority for every business. Without customers, every business would collapse. One of the best ways to keep loyal customers and gain new ones is to offer top-notch customer service.
We believe in this so much that we’ve made it part of our mission statement. Our first rule is the golden rule: serve the customer as we would want to be served — with quality, integrity, and enthusiasm!
Here are some customer service tips that may help your Mom and Pop shop create a culture that focuses on the most important people: the customers.
1. Create convenience for the customer
In today’s fast-paced world, customers are looking for convenience. Customers will be more likely to choose your business if you can meet their needs more conveniently than your competitors. You can create convenience in both big and small ways.
Knowing your customer base will help you find ways to create convenience for them. For example, make sure your hours align with the times your customers are most likely to shop. You can also ensure that your shop is located in an area that is easy for your customers to get to.
Even something as simple as answering the phone every time customers call creates convenience.
2. Tailor your service to the needs of the customer
Not every customer will have the same needs. When you get to know your customers, you’ll understand how to serve them in a way specific to those needs.
In most cases, you won’t figure out the needs of each customer right away. It takes time to get to know your customers and build relationships with them. Over time, if you can anticipate the customer’s needs, you can cater your services to them in a way that doesn’t disrupt your business.
3. Empower employees (and yourself) to go above and beyond for customers
Every time a customer visits your shop, the employees who interact with them should go above and beyond. While some businesses believe that only certain customers should receive special treatment, we believe that EVERY customer should be treated special!
You and your employees can make gestures that make a difference in the eyes of the customer. Learning your customers’ names, thanking them every time they patronize your business, and even sending out thank you or holiday cards are all achievable ways to offer next-level customer service.
Another way to go above and beyond is to not treat the customer as though they’ve made a mistake, even if they have. When you find ways to turn their mistake into a positive experience, you build trust with that customer and keep them loyal to your business. Those happy, loyal customers may also attract others to your business.
4. Listen to feedback from your customers and act on it
Feedback from customers is an excellent way to improve customer service. You can use this information to expand on the services or policies that receive positive feedback while changing the things that receive negative feedback.
Gather feedback from surveys, polls on social media, or even directly asking customers in your shop. Even though it can be hard to hear customers complain, harsh criticism from less-than-pleased customers can be a powerful way to help you improve.
5. Be part of your customer’s community
Great customer service can extend beyond customer interactions in your store. One of the unique ways that Mom and Pop shops can outshine larger stores and corporations is that they can connect with their community more closely.
Supporting community-run events, sponsoring a local sports team, and donating to causes that help your town are all great examples of ways you can connect with your community. When you support your community, they will support you.
Weaver Nut Company started in the basement of our family’s home in 1975 and has developed into a bulk food supplier that has stood the test of time. We are proud that many Mom and Pop shops choose us as their wholesale food supplier. Contact us today to connect with us to see how we can assist you!