WHEN I SAW this issue’s “Do You or Don’t You” question, I was just as baffled as many of our readers.
The question, posed by our group managing editor, Chris Burslem, through our Brain Squad survey was this: “Do you use WhatsApp or another messaging service in your marketing or to otherwise communicate with customers?”
I admit it: I wasn’t 100 percent sure what WhatsApp actually was.
So, I looked it up, and it’s a messaging app that sends text messages for free through an Internet connection. But its advantage is that you can create a business profile so users can see your address, website and contact info. It also allows businesses to save and reuse messages that you frequently send (e.g., “Your repair is ready!”), as well as sort your contacts by labels (e.g., “Frequent client,” “Engagement client only,” “Repair client only,” etc.).
In other words, I quickly learned that WhatsApp has some really cool features for small business owners.
Unfortunately, I think a lot of jewelry retailers are burned out on new tech. And yet, technology like WhatsApp, social media and review-management services like Podium can allow you to connect with clients in ways that they prefer and provide more efficient customer service.
If you’d be willing to walk uphill both ways through snow and sleet to serve your customers, are you also willing to delve into the latest technology to do the same?
Trace Shelton
Editor-in-Chief, INSTORE
trace@smartworkmedia.com
Five Smart Tips You’ll Find in This Issue
- Geofence your competitor’s store. (Manager’s To-Do, p. 26)
- When working with a female engagement ring client, ask her to close her eyes and describe the perfect ring. (The Big Story, p. 39)
- When dealing with a customer complaint, say “Tell me more” in order to put them at ease. (The Big Story, p. 40)
- Ask job candidates, “Tell me how you prepared for this interview.” (Tip Sheet, p. 47)
- Bundle slow-moving product with a fast seller in order to clear it out. (David Brown, p. 52)