USING EMAIL FOR CUSTOMER FEEDBACK
When planning your marketing, don't forget to double-back and "re-market" to the customers who have already purchased products.
For instance, at the end of the month, email all of the customers who placed orders with your company. In the email, thank them for their business and inquire if they were happy about what they purchased from your company. Also, ask them how they would rate your customer service. You will be amazed at the response.
Not only do you begin a dialogue with your customers, but you will obtain some valuable constructive comments about your products and services. Many customers will write with suggestions about how to improve existing products and with ideas on new products to consider. This is a goldmine of information.
Your email will also have a positive impact on your customer. He or she will be thrilled that you took the time to show your interest and appreciation. Think about it: It is indeed very rare when anyone takes the time to ask for your feedback and to pointedly say "thank you." In the era of the "big-box" stores that have taken over the retail landscape, a sincere "thank you" is almost non-existent.
For those customers who do respond, we send a final follow-up email thanking them for the feedback and requesting that they share your website address with family and friends. Most of them will respond that they will do so. Presto! You have a personal dialogue going with that customer.
Best of all, this only takes a matter of minutes and a little staff time. It costs next to nothing and yet the benefits are enormous.