Quick advice to make your customers happier

Here is a great blog entry from How to Start a Two-Bit Operation: Small Business Tips blog.

Small businesses need to use every tool possible to stay ahead of their competition and good customer service is one of the best ways to stay ahead.

In addition to what this blog says, I would also add that you have very consistent policies when it comes to such things as returns. Ensure that all your employees are on the same page. Nothing frustrates customers more than if they here different stories from every employee.

Also, ensure that your policies are not draconian. Too many small business owners are so petrified of returns that they make the policies to extreme which will also turn off your customers. While some returns will hurt, just budget that a certain amount of your sales will return, say 10%, and then you will be ready for the returns. In the long run by taking care of the customer you will end up increasing sales.