There is NO doubt about it! Customer service is the most important thing for the specialty retailer to think about - because it can realistically increase your sales by 50% or more. Great customer service is such a simple concept, yet a very powerful strategy for success.

What's amazing is that SO many retailers get too busy and forget what's important...

If you're not currently doing almost ALL of the customer service tips listed below, then you need to change something fast!

Here are 15 quick and easy tricks that I've noticed other successful retail businesses doing to keep their customers coming back for more. This works because when you let your customers know that you appreciate them, they'll show that they appreciate you by purchasing more of your products and will become a loyal customer, guaranteed.

Some of these tips require retail technology and some don't.

Here you go:

Always say hello. Your sales people, your cashiers, and all your employees must always say hello.

Acknowledge your customers children.

Ask your customer their name and use it.

Suggest accessories and other items that enhance your customer's purchase and their life. If you have a POS system, be sure to enter "suggested add-on items" in your software, so employees get reminders and start remembering on their own.

Open the door for customers whenever possible.

If you're busy and the customer is waiting for help, give them an estimate of how long they'll have to wait.

When a customer says "Thank you", say "You're welcome." Add "It's my pleasure" after you say "You're welcome".

Have the owner personally call a high-ticket customer and thank them for their purchase. Your POS software should allow you to print off a list of your high-ticket purchases in seconds.

Offer to carry your customer's purchase to the car (even if it's small).

Send handwritten thank you notes.

Send a birthday card with a gift certificate or coupon for a free product. You can use the CRM portion of your POS software to quickly identify and track customers' birthdays.

Tell the customer why a product isn't right for them. This type of honesty will surely create a life-long loyal customer!!

Teach the customer how to use the product they purchased. Clothing retailers might show their customer how to accessorize their purchase.