Let’s begin with two “do nots”, do not harm and do not take what does not belong to you. Does the product or service you market cause harm in any way? Are you marketing a weight loss product that has harmful side-effects? Do you offer a service that really does not help your customer much? Whatever you market should offer real benefits to the customer and no harmful effects. Take the time to look deeper and make the right decision.
Not taking what does not belong to you or is not due you is another way of saying… don’t steal! This includes not overcharging for your product or service, even if you can get away with it. You do not want to give away for free what you are depending on for income, but you do not want to needlessly gouge people, either. Look at what the market is currently paying and make your decision based on your skill level, the benefits you offer, and what is fair. Do not have hidden costs and make sure your customer knows exactly what they are and are not getting. Many times I have looked at an item for sale on eBay only to find that the seller is offering a great deal on the price of the item, but their shipping costs are many times higher than the actual costs. Be up front.
In addition to the “do nots” make sure you remember the “do”. Whenever possible, go out of your way to do something helpful and beneficial for your customer. Offer a lifetime guarantee on your product. Be available to answer questions. Include useful instructions. Contact them after the sale to make sure everything went smoothly. Give bonuses that they aren’t expecting. Give them information on other products they may genuinely be interested in. (This is beneficial to you, too.) Think of how you can help them even more than they are expecting.
Chris O’Byrne
OnlineArtsMarketing.com
