Direct Sales Referrals

Any good direct sales home business survives on customer referrals. Learning to utilize these referrals and convert them to loyal clients is the art of selling and the core of the business. 

1. Business cards still work in bringing in referrals. They are worth more than the amount they cost.
2. Rewards the customers who bring in referrals with free or discounted gifts. This is great incentives for others to bring in referrals as well.
3. Ask other customers for referrals. For an example, if someone does not have time to host a party, you can ask if she knows someone who would be interested in hosting the party intead.
4. Swap referrals with other non-competing businesses. This is a great way to meet a broad range of potential customers.
5. Let others know about your referrals by putting testimonials on websites and business cards. Also, let them know about prizes they can receive if they refer someone to you.

Creating Customer Loyalty

Making sure a customer comes back to you and not the competition is a crucial part in starting up a direct sales business. If you have loyal customers, chances are they will refer more loyal customers as well. In order to keep customers loyal you,

1. Keep in touch with your customers throughout the year. This can be done through newsletters, holiday cards, phone calls and postcards.
2. Make a customer loyalty rewards system. You can use frequent buyer cards to reward your customers after they have been with you a certain amount of time.
3. Make sure it is easy to contact you, therefore customers can come directly to you with any questions, problems or complaints they may have. Making you easy to contact will make it easier for them to be a loyal customer.
4. Create fun greetings on websites, newsletters and cards when sending out reminders and greetings to your customers.
5. Let your customer know there is someone to help them if they need it. This can be done with your easy to find contact information and through question and answer sections on your website.
6. Share advice and expertise about your business through newsletters and brochures. This will help them feel as if you are a friend as well as a sales person.
7. Providing optimal service may seem obvious when it comes to direct sales, but in order to keep loyal customers it is important to make sure you go above and beyond with unexpected service. This will keep them satisfied every time which will make them more inclined to return to you and not the competition.

Auto-ship membership is a great way to keep your customer coming back and listening to your newsletters etc.