4 Tips to Increase Customer Retention

4. Never say good-bye. When customers have completed their purchase, don't just let them leave. Remind them of your next special, sale or when new products are coming in. Accordingly, never say good-bye. There's no need to say goodbye when you've made a good connection with the customer. For example, say "I'm so glad you found what you wanted today! We will see you soon!"

Paying attention to customers and treating them like your best friend inherently builds loyalty that no program can touch. On paper, they earn rewards (which is important), but in person they have their own sales associates that know what they need and what they may like in the future. Your sales associates are your greatest asset. They alone have a tremendous ability to increase customer retention and convert new visitors to loyal patrons.

Melissa Eisenberg is the marketing director at POSE, a web-based point-of-sale system for small business. Melissa can be reached at melissa@getpose.com.