Bring Them Back with Coupons

Almost everyone I know is in the middle of their Christmas shopping. One trend I’m seeing from my friends is that they are trying to shop locally to support businesses in their neighborhood during the holiday season. It got me thinking that this is probably happening in neighborhoods across the country – and I’m sure stores are really enjoying the extra foot traffic!

Hopefully if you own or help run a business, you’re seeing this trend of new customers buying products or services for the holidays. So after they’ve stopped in once, how do you get them to return?

Coupons are a great reason for people to come into your store – or come back. To maximize the potential of people coming back after the holidays are over, give them a coupon when they make a purchase or as they’re leaving. There are a number of different specials that you can offer using fliers, postcards or handouts as small as a business card. Here are some common ones that I’ve received recently:

• Buy-one-get-one – everyone knows the “bogo.” A customer buys one product or service and gets another for a discount (or free!).
• One for you, one for a friend – a single coupon that has two parts: one for the recipient and a similar one that’s easily detached and can be shared with a family member, friend or colleague. This way, your business might reach twice the number of people.
• Free gift with purchase – this one is especially helpful if you’re trying to introduce a new product or service. People are more likely to try something if there’s no risk or price associated with it. When someone makes an initial purchase, give a small sample of your new offering for free.

• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
• 
•