A picture is worth a thousand words and for many of us this statement is true. If you are selling a tangible product like ice cream or hamburgers, providing a free sample is fairly easy. But what if you are in the mystery shopping business or any other business that provides a service? You can still offer that free sample but you might have to be a little more creative at coming up with what that free service looks like. Consider some of the approaches taken but our valued clients who have found ways to allow customers to sample their products.

• Testimonials
• References
• Before and After Photos
• Samples of Reports
• Graphs
• Charts
• Guarantees

One of the things we like to suggest is that service companies have a portfolio of testimonial letters, sample reports, before and after photos, and any other visual means of allowing the customer to try them on for size. While it may be a little more difficult, it’s not impossible to demonstrate your services so be creative and enjoy the process of coming up with a variety of ways to win over your prospects.

In the meantime, remember…the customer is always watching!

As the owner of a mystery shopping business, I am always on the hunt for excellent service. As a matter of fact, I’m not just looking for excellent; I am looking for WOW! You know what I mean. It’s that little thing that a sales associate does to take a business transaction over the top. Let me give you an example of what I mean.

While on vacation this summer, I decided that I really needed an ice cream cone so I visited a local mom and pop store at the ocean-front community I was visiting on the East Coast.  They had so many of my favorite flavors that I just couldn’t decide! I stood there for what seemed like forever then the sales associate made a great suggestion. She said, “Why not try a sample?” Now a lot of ice cream stores offer samples, but what took this experience over the top for me was that she put the sample into a miniature cone!!! Now that’s the ultimate customer experience!

So as you are considering ways to take your customers’ experiences over the top, be sure to think of little ways that will make the experience memorable. Perhaps a small sample of your product or service will do the trick but then don’t forget to add that little twist that will make the sample memorable.

Here’s to helping you see your business through your customers’ eyes!