It’s the summer of outside! ☀️ Which is great for our Vitamin D deficiencies but a bit of a bummer when you need people shopping in your store. We know running a consumer-facing business has its ups and downs, especially during slow periods. But there’s good news: strategic promotions can help you attract new customers and boost your business. In this blog post, we’ll explore why offering bonus services can be a game-changer and how to properly use discounts to attract new and current customers.
Consider Offering a Bonus Service
What is a Bonus Service? A bonus service is an extra perk that you offer customers for free when they purchase a product or service. For example, "Book a haircut and get a free blowout” or “Buy our 100 ml perfume and get the travel perfume for free!”
Offering a bonus service is a powerful way to add value for your customers. Here’s why it works:
Enhanced Customer Experience: Adding an extra service, like a free blowout with a haircut, makes customers feel pampered and valued. This can enhance their overall experience and make them more likely to return.
Stand Out from Competitors: A unique bonus service can set your business apart from others. It’s a special treat that customers can’t get everywhere, making your business more attractive.
Increased Customer Loyalty: When customers receive a little something extra, they’re more likely to remember your business fondly and come back for more. It builds goodwill and encourages repeat visits.
Cost-Effective Value: The actual cost to you for providing a bonus service is often less than a cash discount, but the perceived value to the customer is high.
Let's Talk Discounts
Everyone wants to save a little money these days, but is it better to offer a percentage discount or a dollar amount discount? Let’s discuss...
When to Offer Dollar Amount Discounts: Dollar amount discounts are straightforward and can be very effective, especially in certain scenarios:
High-Value Purchases: For more expensive services or products, a specific dollar discount can seem more significant. For instance, "$50 off" a $300 service feels substantial.
Clarity and Simplicity: A dollar amount discount is easy for customers to understand without doing any math. They instantly know how much they’re saving.
When to Use Percentage Discounts: Percentage discounts can also be very appealing, particularly in these situations:
Lower-Cost Services: For lower-priced items or services, a percentage discount might appear more attractive. For example, "20% off" a $50 service feels like a good deal.
Variable Pricing: If your products or services vary widely in price, a percentage discount can provide balanced savings across different price points.
Putting It All Together
By strategically using bonus services and the right type of discounts, you can
attract new customers and keep your business thriving, even during slow periods. Remember, the key is to understand what will resonate most with your customers and offer promotions that provide real value and a memorable experience.
To maximize the effectiveness of your promotions, consider the context of your business and your customers’ preferences:
Slow Periods: During slow periods, use promotions to draw in new customers. Offer bonus services to enhance the customer experience and build loyalty. For instance, a clothing sore might offer a “Complimentary personalized styling session with any purchase over $200" or similar, tailored to fit the store's target market and pricing strategy.
High-Ticket Services: Use dollar amount discounts for high-value services to provide a clear and significant savings incentive. For example, "Get $50 off any service over $200."
Everyday Deals: For everyday deals or lower-priced items, percentage discounts can be very effective. "Enjoy 15% off all services this week" can attract budget-conscious customers.
Embrace these strategies and watch your customer base flourish!
At July House, we’re here to help you grow, connect, and achieve success. Book a consultation with us and let’s get started on your journey to greatness!
Your partners in growth,
July House Consulting
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