5 Inexpensive Ways to Improve Customer Loyalty for Your Business

A couple of years ago, Inc. published a rather fascinating article about customer loyalty. Within it, it said that it can actually cost a company as much as 5-10 times more money to try and obtain a new customer than it would to simply maintain the ones that they already have. It also stated that one way to keep customers coming back is to improve upon your customer loyalty strategies.

If you own a business and you'd like some effective yet inexpensive ways to keep your customers satisfied and happy, we have five great tips for you below:

Send out monthly surveys. One of the best ways to encourage customer loyalty is to see exactly what your customers need. An effective way to do this is to send out a monthly survey through your company newsletter. Services like Survey Monkey make it easy to set one up and it can provide you with all kinds of insights into how to make your products and services better. And when customers feel that you care about their opinions, they are more likely to return over and over again.

Respond to their comments. Thanks to your website and social media accounts like your Facebook fan page and Twitter page, your customers can connect with you on a daily basis. So, if you post an announcement about a new product or service and you notice that they have a question, be sure to respond as soon as possible. That's just one more way to make them feel like you genuinely care about their personal needs.

Do what you say you're going to do. One mistake that a lot of companies make is promising something but not deliver on the promise. For instance, if you have a big sale going on and you say that everyone who orders something within the next 48 hours will get free overnight shipping, while that might drive up sales, you could find yourself with some pretty frustrated customers if they don't get their products within a couple of days' time. The best way to get a loyal customer is by establishing trust and the best way to do that is to do exactly what you say you're going to do. Every single time.

Be solutions-oriented. If you want to get some brilliant directories reviews for your company, it's absolutely imperative that you be solutions-oriented. This means that when a customer reaches out with a problem, it's important that you listen but it's also important that you are prepared to provide a solution that will put their mind at ease. For example, if they ordered some shoes online and there is a tear in one of them, you need to have a good solution: send them an email with instructions on how they can ship it back for free for an exchange, and also offer them a 30-percent off discount on their next purchase (for example). You're not perfect and so problems will arise; however, you can prevent losing a customer if after you do a mistake, you put forth a concerted amount of effort to be solutions-oriented.

Instill a customer loyalty program. Whether it's a point system, a VIP program or random giveaways, customers are always excited to be involved in a loyalty program. So, make sure that you create one for your company. For more information on the kinds of customer loyalty programs that are effective, visit Blog. Hubspot and put "customer loyalty programs" in the search field.

Simple Tips to Make Your Money Stretch Further

There’s maybe nothing worse than the horrible realisation that there is no money left in the bank and no way to pay the mortgage or rent on time as usual. Sadly, many people are struggling to cope financially nowadays. If you are finding money stress is causing your hair to drop out in chunks it’s time to take a new approach. It’s a skill to make money go further but here are some of the excellent tips from the financial experts to help you ensure every penny is well spent.

Click here to find out if you’re entitled to more money

You Must Budget

Do you have a budget for all the money that comes in and out of your house? Do you check where you have spent your last wages, reconcile your bank account and check your receipts? If not it’s about time you did. A budget is a valuable tool that should be used so you are fully aware of your current financial position in any given month. It’s boring but when you budget you will be able to see where money has been wasted, where you can make cuts and where you need to deal with urgent problems.

Loyalty Cards are Worth it

How many times have you found yourself being served at a till and the cashier asks you if you have a loyalty card? The next time it happens ask if you can have a form to apply for one. All those trips to various supermarkets can help you raise useful sums of money and earn coupons that will save you cash. Collect all of the cards for all the shops you go to and keep them in your wallet. A free fiver off here and there will add up.

Make Packed Lunches

Packed lunches are much cheaper than buying food on the go. It takes just a few extra minutes in the morning or before bed to make them up so it’s not like you don’t have time to do it. Make your own lunch and stop popping to the canteen or bakery for lunch. It’s not only a lot cheaper it’s often a great way of stopping yourself eating sugary snacks and fatty foods.

Shop for Bargains

Bargain Hunt isn’t only a great antiques programme on television; it’s also a savvy way to shop. When you’re in the shops you need to look for products that have been marked down. When you shop online head straight for the sales and clearances too, it’s amazing what bargains are out there ready to be snapped up. You also need to hunt around for the cheapest petrol prices, special offers and change your suppliers for cheaper tariffs.

See if You Can Earn More Money

If you’re really struggling, the only option is to try and bring more money into the home. Look for a second job or try and raise some funds through your hobby. If you are on a low income you may also be entitled to some extra help, click here for some useful phone numbers to learn about benefits that you might be entitled to.

5 Easy, Fun Ways to Save Money on Groceries

Vegetables in a grocery store, Paris, France. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

When trying to find ways to save money, you may feel intimidated or unsure of what you should do. However, if you find easy and fun ways to save money on your groceries, you are more likely to follow through on your intentions. Below you will find simple and entertaining ways to save money on groceries that your family needs. 

#1 Grow a Garden

Growing a garden is a fun hobby for many families. In fact, a backyard garden is a task everyone, even little kids, can take part in. It is also a great way to save money on groceries. When you are planning your backyard garden, think about the type of produce you commonly buy from the grocery store, and plant the most common produce your family consumes in your garden. Doing this will ensure nothing in your garden goes to waste, and you will not have to spend money at the grocery store on these items either.

#2 Cook from Scratch

It is much cheaper to buy ingredients than it is to buy processed or prepared meals. To cut down on your grocery bill, learn to cook from scratch. Often times when you buy ingredients, the item will last for a long time. This means that the next time you need a particular item, you will already have it. Before you know it, you will have a pantry full of ingredients that will make cooking from scratch simple. It will also help you save a great deal of money on your grocery bill.

#3 Use Coupons and Store Cards

When you are planning your weekly or bi-weekly shopping trip, make sure to look over all local store flyers, and to use coupons whenever possible. Make sure you only use coupons to buy items that your family will actually use. In addition to coupons and shopping sales, it is also helpful to get a loyalty card at your favorite grocery store or stores. Loyalty cards often give shoppers access to special deals and promotions that aren't accessible to shoppers without a loyalty card.

#4 Shop the Perimeter of the Grocery Store

The least expensive, and the healthiest, food in the grocery store is located along the perimeter of the center aisles. To save the most money, do the majority of your grocery shopping from the perimeter of the store. When you do venture into the center aisles, make sure it is only to buy items that you need, items that are on sale or items that you have coupons for. 

#5 Trade Brand Names in For Generics

If you have a favorite brand name product, you may not have to give it up completely in order to save money. However, it may be in your best interest to trade your more expensive brand name product for a similar, more affordable, product. For example, if you always buy your kids expensive brand name cereal, consider buying a store brand cereal that offers the same flavors. If you would like a healthier option, you can opt for oatmeal or a less expensive cereal substitute as well.


Following the above tips will allow you to save money at the grocery store, and have fun doing it. Think of every trip to the grocery store as a personal challenge to save as much money as possible without sacrificing the things your family needs or wants.

Kara Fielder is a working mom with two kids who understands the importance of frugal living. She enjoys sharing her tips and tricks on how to save money by blogging regularly for a variety of websites. Click for money-saving codes and coupons at http://www.cheapsally.com.

Tips for Choosing a Rewards Programme

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

There are many schemes out there that reward customers for buying a certain product by offering a discount on their next purchase or by making a charitable donation to a chosen good cause, or indeed both. Here are some tips of what to look for in a rewards programme to ensure your money is put to the best possible use. 

What to look for in a Rewards Programme 

There is probably no specific answer to this question as it depends on the individual as to what they are look for from getting involved in a specific scheme. Some people want to buy a product that is promoting the fact that a percentage of the money will go to a chosen charity or a worthwhile project, so that they know some of their money is going to be used in a very positive way whilst they still get to enjoy the product that they have bought. Other people want to make their money go as far as possible and like to find offers where a discount or points for future use are going to be offered to them if they buy a certain product or specific quantity. Some offers will be more attractive to you than others depending on personal preference and lifestyle but in general, any scheme or programme that supports a good cause or offers a benefit of some kind will be winning combination and hopefully prove to be an attractive and worthwhile proposition.

What to expect from a Rewards Programme 

This again will vary according to the type of offer being made but most people have to be attracted to the rewards being offered or the purpose of the scheme or programme in order to fully embrace each particular offer and actively take part or contribute financially. There are some companies who offer you a one-stop shop scenario where you can see a range of offers suitable to your interests in one location rather than having to trawl around for individual offers. There are schemes for example that follow a particular mission statement such promoting sustainable resources and reducing the impact of climate change. If this is a subject that is very important to you then you can find companies that actively pursue this goal and reward you in several ways, not just financially, for helping them to pursue these ideals. 

Developing a relationship 

If you feel strongly about climate change as an example, then you can find a company that will identify and put you in touch with a wide range of retail partners who can meet your ethical demands and supply you with anything from everyday essential items to gifts and treats which all qualify as sustainable or environmentally friendly goods from verified sources. It makes it far easier for you as a customer to find your ideal supplier who meets your ethical needs when you go through one of these one-stop shops where everything on offer is all in one place. It gives you the chance to develop a relationship with like minded companies and also benefit financially by being rewarded for your purchases with points or discounts to be used the next time you go shopping.

If there is a strong incentive for you to get involved with a rewards programme whether it is for ethical or financial reasons, sometimes a combination of the two, you want to be sure that the company you have chosen to develop a relationship with is able to back up their promises and verify their credentials. You can of course choose to investigate each offer and the company behind them yourself, but by using a one-stop shop solution you can be sure that they will have been thoroughly vetted and therefore you can shop and enjoy rewards with a good degree of confidence that everyone involved is benefitting in some way or another.

Gina Newberry is a financial consultant and advisor. She enjoys blogging about personal finance issues and ways people can save money. Signing on to a rewards program is one good way to save money.

The Top 3 Airline Miles Credit Cards of 2013

English: American Airlines Boeing 757 on final approach at St Maarten Juliana International Airport (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

It seems like, as you get older, each year goes by more quickly than the year before. For me, this has had the consequence of encouraging me to make - and hold myself to - New Year’s resolutions each year. One of my New Year’s resolutions for 2013 is to travel more. Since my goal is to travel more without breaking the bank, I thought I’d apply for a good airline miles credit card in order to rack up some miles to aid my travel expenses. Through researching these cards, I found the following cards to be the best airline miles credit cards currently available. 

Here are my picks for the top three airline miles credit cards on the market: 

1. Capital One Venture Rewards – The Capital One Venture Rewards credit card is my pick for the best airline miles card on the market. With the Capital One Venture Rewards card, cardholders earn 2 miles for every dollar spent on any purchase. In addition cardholders receive 10,000 bonus miles when they spend $1,000 on purchases in the first 3 months that they have the card. This is the equivalent of $100 towards travel expenses just by spending $1,000. The miles can be redeemed for any sort of travel expense or any airline, they don’t expire, and the $59 annual fee is waived in the first year. 

2. The Platinum Card from American Express – The American Express Platinum card also makes my list of the best travel rewards credit cards. With The Platinum Card from American Express, cardholders can earn 25,000 Membership Rewards points when they spend $2,000 in the first 3 months of owning the card. The Platinum Card from American Express also offers access to over 600 airport lounges around the globe, advance ticket sales to concerts and shows, and 24/7 Platinum Concierge service. The Platinum Card gives customers 1 Membership Rewards point for each dollar they spend. If the card didn’t carry a $450 annual fee, it would be #1 on this list. 

3. Citi Platinum Select AAdvantage Visa Signature – With the Citi Platinum Select card, cardholders earn 30,000 American Airline AAdvantage bonus miles after they spend $1,000 using the card in the first 3 months that they have the card. In addition, the card grants cardholders a free checked bag on each American Airlines flight, Priority Boarding, 25% off select in-flight purchases, and a $100 American Airlines Flight Discount each year, as well as double miles on all eligible American Airlines purchases. If you don’t mind flying American Airlines, the Citi Platinum Select card could be the right choice for you. 

This article was written by Logan Abbott. Logan is the editor of the credit cards section of MyRatePlan.com.