Three Simple Things Retail Stores Can Do to Increase Business

I'm no marketing maven, but common sense dictates that certain things will probably help your business. A lot of companies will charge you a big mama consultation fee for this advice, but because I'm a super nice guy, I'll give it to you gratis. Be sure to pass it along to any storeowner you may know, and make sure they know that it came from me, so they can thank me personally.

(1) No more handwritten signs in the windows or doors. Most of the time the handwriting is atrocious (written in magic marker - did the guy run out of crayons?) and it just shows that the owner doesn't take the store all that seriously. And if he doesn't, why should the customer? This is 2008. If you don't know how to make a sign on Microsoft Word then you've got major issues. Doesn't have to be anything fancy, but five minutes on the computer makes a huge difference.

(2) Enough with the attitude about using the bathroom. I hate when the guy claims that he doesn't have a bathroom. Okay, then what does he do when he has to go? Usually the guy has a nasty sign. If he's nicer it'll say FOR CUSTOMERS ONLY, but I've seen more obnoxious than that. To me it's a huge turnoff. Don't want to give a guy with such an attitude my business. Now say he had a sign that all were welcome to use the facilities. He'd have two advantages: (a) Someone might see a product on the way to the john and decide that he wants to buy it; and (b) the customer will say, hey, he's a nice guy, he deserves my business. Granted, you'll have to clean the place a few times a day, but it's worth it.

(3) Have tons and tons of change on hand. I don't get it. You go to the bank anyway, so why not have rolls and rolls of quarters and wads and wads of singles? In the event that someone needs a quarter or three for the meter, they can get them from you, thus fostering good PR. And it's annoying when a customer gives you a hundred bill and you have to ask him to go three stores down to see if they have change. Or how about when you give $3 for an item that's $2.10 and you get back 18 nickels?

As I've said, three simple things that could go a long way. And with the economy in the toilet, every penny counts, so take my advice or hang a for rent sign in a few months.