Hiya,

What sorts of things can I do or say to encourage repeat business besides saying what a great time I had and it was so nice to meet/spend time with you and blah, blah, blah.

Other businesses follow up with clients after a service, is this ever done or would that just encourage stalking/timewasting?  I'm thinking a quick email/text to say it was great to meet them(just for some of the clients that I think might have good longterm possibilities.  Does that sound stupid?  I know there is probably something wrong with this idea, but I just don't have the experience to figure out yet!

Set me straight, please!

Hi Ceci,
I don't think there is anything wrong with a quick text to say thanks and you had a lovely time. As long as you have got a handle on the situation, as in, he is driving from your place and you know he is, rather than sat at home drinking his cocoa!! It's simply about the timing.
These guys are not stupid, odds are they will not be calling you on their regular mobile anyhow, I have seen a couple of guys with 2 mobiles! Just don't leave it half an hour after you leave or they leave.
You can always tell them you had a nice time right as your leaving you know. If I have seen a particularly nice man, I have made a point of thanking him for being lovely as I am leaving or he is leaving. I know it's corny, but if you catch the right tone when thanking them and adding something like, seriously, I mean it, you made my job a pleasure this evening -  It's like praising a child, the smile that crosses their faces, honestly!
I also get texts or emails afterwards thanking me and I always make a suitable reply to them as they come in, I don't wait unless I am on a booking or otherwise can not get to reply at that point.
The point was made on here not too long ago that we are paid to go away and that is true and has stuck with me as a piece of sound advice - however, there is nothing the matter with good manners and of course you want to try and cultivate regulars and a good reputation.
Just use your instinct and common sense and mostly, thank them as your leaving them. It's worth the extra 5 mins at the front door...
Good luck.
Jo

Quote from: Joanna on 22 October 2008, 07:27:38 am

The point was made on here not too long ago that we are paid to go away and that is true  however, there is nothing the matter with good manners and of course you want to try and cultivate regulars and a good reputation.
Just use your instinct and common sense and mostly, thank them as your leaving them. It's worth the extra 5 mins at the front door...
Good luck.
Jo

thats good advice, I always show appreciation...and at times I really do have a good time. They like to make you happy; show them that you are! 

I agree - I do think it makes a difference. I would steer clear of 'follow-up' texts though, they have a nasty habit of turning up hours or even days later just when you don't want them to! I often get 'thank you' texts and emails and I appreciate them too - it's nice to be nice!

Thanks everyone!

Helpful as usual.

Cece

Quote from: celebate on 22 October 2008, 04:52:58 pm

I think if you get in touch when it's not welcome then they feel a bit intruded on and as if your touting business; by waiting on them coming to you you're still being illusive.

xx

Thats very common-sense as well and its good you bought that up. I once had a friend suggest I 'follow up' on my previous bookers...bad idea

Especially if you want to market yourself as being respectful, discreet, or reliable- Texting or calling without permission ruins that! I wouldn't want a text coming through from a client during family dinner or at a real job, and can a client would feel the same if with their wives or significant others.

 It'd be nice to be able to follow up, customer service wise....  but apparently on some forums they have a 'name and shame' for WG's who text advertise like that 

I knew you'd all have something good to say!

Ahhh, but its nice to know we can come and talk shite sometimes too