7 ways to make your customers feel like VIPs
Want your customers to keep coming back? Try adopting a more personal touch and watch as your clients lap up the attention.
Here are seven simple ways to make every shopper feel like a VIP
1. Remember names and favourites
If you want to make your customers feel special, remember them. Sounds obvious, right, but it’s extremely effective. Nothing warms the cockles like being remembered. If a regular comes in, greet them by name. It takes little effort but has a big impact.
2. Recommend stuff they’ll actually like
Stop with the one-size-fits-all all approach. Generic doesn’t work. If you know what a customer likes, suggest products they’ll be into. If they always buy a particular type of product, show them a new range they might love.

Image Adobe Stock
3. Make loyalty rewards personal
Instead of handing out the same discounts to everyone, tailor your rewards. What are your customers into? If someone’s always grabbing scented candles, surprise them with a deal on their favourite.
4. Add a personal note
Run an online business? You can up the ante too. When you’re packaging up their purchase to ship, don’t forget to drop in a note. A handwritten thank-you or a message can be a lovely surprise. It’s old school, but it works!
5. Give regulars the VIP treatment
Treat your best customers like VIPs because, let’s face it, they are. That doesn’t mean that they get to jump the queue and slip through the velvet rope, but it does entitle them to some extras. What about offering an exclusive shopping night or discounts on a complimentary purchase? Small touches like this show your customers they’re appreciated.
6. Follow-up is your friend
A quick check-in after a purchase goes a long way. Ask if they’re happy with their new dress or if they need help styling that outfit they’ve just purchased. It’s a small gesture that builds real loyalty.
7. Get your team on the same page
Your staff are the face of your business, so make sure they bring a personal touch to their service, too. A friendly chat, honest advice, and remembering customer preferences can turn a one-time shopper into a loyal fan.
Personalising customer service is all about making people feel valued. Get it right, and that’s what keeps them coming back.
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Cec is a content creator, director, producer and journalist with over 20 years experience. She is the editor of Business Builders and Flying Solo, the executive producer of Kochie's Business Builders TV show on the 7 network, and the host of the Flying Solo and First Act podcasts.
She was the founding editor of Sydney street press The Brag and has worked as the editor on titles as diverse as SX, CULT, Better Pictures, Total Rock, MTV, fasterlouder, mynikonlife and Fantastic Living.
She has extensive experience working as a news journalist, covering all the issues that matter in the small business, political, health and LGBTIQ arenas. She has been a presenter for FBI radio and OutTV.
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