Special Store Events Can Increase Sales!

Retailers are finding that special events held in their stores can increase sales. Events, such as offering free blood pressure screenings, do-it-yourself craft shows and book signings can bring in more customers and lift the store's energy level. One shopper who discovered a shop through its events, says, "The place is like a party! It's more fun and personal."

One local retail community sponsored a neighborhood walk. “It helped bring people in. There was so much publicity and so many people came out,” one of the retailers remarked.

When 200 customers crowded into Portland, Maine’s Longfellow Books for a book launch party for a local author, co-owner Chris Bowe was thrilled that 100 copies of that author’s books were sold. Chris comments, "That more than made up for all the free hot dogs I gave away."

Big Hairy Dog believes that developing a personal connection with your customers is good for business. Sending out personalized birthday cards, which include a 25 percent discount certificate might just create a customer for life. Many retailers are finding that rewards programs, such as Customer Loyalty, which give a percentage back to the customer after they spend a certain amount, is a great way to make the customer feel recognized and appreciated. It's the extra personal touch that brings your customers in and keeps them coming back.

How to change your tax rate in Retail Pro

As most of you are aware, Big Hairy Dog offers a library of self-training videos available to you 24/7. With the tax rate changing in California effective April 1, 2009, you may want to familiarize yourself with the process of changing the tax rate in your Retail Pro software.

Please take a moment to review the video located on our website at:
http://www.bighairydog.com/video/Changing_Tax_Rates.html

As always, if you have any questions, please feel free to contact a BHD tech at 916-368-1070.

BHD 'Double-Teaming' Service - It Pays Off!

Ed Huffman, from Huffman's Big & Tall received a phone call last week from Pam Elliott, his BHD Sales Rep. While talking to Pam, his phone rang and he put Pam on hold to answer the other line. That call was also from a BHD employee wanting to see how things were going at Huffman's.

Ed joked that he was being 'double teamed' by BHD, and said he'd talk to the one with the best offer. Both BHD employees made offers to top the other and both got some good-hearted teasing. A few days later Ed received a surprise delivery of his favorite pizza, courtesy of BHD. His response: "The pizza was fantastic!! I highly recommend this new meatball pizza from Round Table. They have this one nailed to the wall! Thanks again, Ed"

What can we say? With BHD's customer service, you may just get two calls at once!

OPEN FORUM WEBINAR - APRIL 15, 2009

Due to customer suggestion, we are offering an additional Webinar in April. This Webinar will be an Open Forum, for customers to call with your own issues. This is a great opportunity to ask questions and get feedback from not only BHD, but from other customees who may have similiar questions, experiences or solutions.

This is YOUR TIME...remember, if you have questions, need assistance, or just want to talk about an experience, this Webinar is for you. We hope you will join us!

BHD Webinars are listed on our website at: http://www.bighairydog.com/onlinetraining.htm
Please feel free to email Christina to sign up: christinaj@bighairydog.com or call if you have any questions: 800-377-7776.

WE WANT TO HEAR YOUR GOOD NEWS!!

Big Hairy Dog knows that our customers have a lot of good news to report in the retail industry right now. In spite of all we hear on the news, businesses are expanding, opening new branches, increasing their product lines, enjoying increased sales and experiencing new opportunities never available before.

We want to invite all BHD Customers to get the positive energy flowing and encourage businesses to SHARE YOUR GOOD NEWS!!

Please send YOUR Good News to: service@bighairydog.com, and we'll post it on our Good News Blog. View the blog at: http://bhdgoodnews.blogspot.com/