“Should You Offer a Guarantee?”
By Expert | March 7, 2008
by Alexandria K. Brown
Many new business owners ask me, “Should I offer a guarantee? I know it will help sales, but the risk really scares me.” I offer guarantees on everything I sell, but that doesn’t mean you should too. Here are some factors to consider and some ideas to get you started.
The Pros:
A guarantee puts your prospect at ease, giving her no reason NOT to buy or NOT to work with you. After all, if you don’t stand behind your product or service 100%, what are you doing in business?
This is especially true if you’re selling products via the Internet. People at your website don’t have the chance to meet you in person and see that you’re legitimate, so it’s your job to give them complete confidence in buying from you.
The Cons:
With some service-based businesses such as consulting, it may be hard to guarantee your work or your results. (Especially if your clients’ cooperation is required to ensure their success.)
Also, a few turkeys may capitalize on your generosity. For example, my “Boost Business With Your Own E-zine” system was originally an e-book when I launched it a few years ago. It would not be unusual to see a person purchase it, download it, and request a refund 2 minutes later. Obviously they hadn’t even read it yet and they just wanted to get the information without paying for it.
But in my experience with Internet *info-products*, the amount of sales you GAIN from offering a guarantee dramatically outweighs the risk. (Once you get into coaching programs, it’s a whole different ballgame. That’s another article to come later.)
Types of Guarantees You Can Offer
“Money Back” or “Satisfaction”: You promise to refund your customer in full if the product does not work or if she’s not happy with your product.
“Price-Protection”: This can mean either locking in a price forever, such as with services or memberships that are billed on a recurring basis, or guaranteeing that you have the lowest price anywhere for that particular service or product.
“On-time”: If your clients are always concerned about getting your service or product on time, this is a good one for you.
And these are just a few ideas!
Should You Make it Easy, or Hard?
Some business owners make their customers jump through hoops to get their money back. While I understand not wanting to make it TOO easy to get an instant refund, there are risks. If you make it really hard, your customers may just skip dealing with you and go direct to their credit card company.
This process is called a “chargeback”, which can reflect negatively on your vendor merchant account standing as well as result in penalty fees for the vendor. So obviously, as a vendor, you want to avoid chargebacks by making the refund process easy for your customers.
(However there are definitely times you can fight back and win, when you are in the right.)
Should There Be a Time Limit?
Setting a time limit is up to you. Common ones are 30 days, 60 days, 90 days, a year, or a lifetime. Some studies show the longer the guarantee, the less returns you’ll get. Why? Customers are more likely to mark their calendar regarding a shorter guarantee. With a longer guarantee, they don’t feel pressured, so many of them forget about it.
How Should You Word It?
There are many ways to word guarantees, so to get started, I’d look at the standards in your industry. For information products, many people are modeling the guarantee I have on my “Boost Business With Your Own E-zine” system” sales page.
Feel free to do the same or modify it to your liking. I won’t mind at all!
© 2004-2008 Alexandria Brown International Inc.
WANT TO SEE MORE ARTICLES LIKE THIS ONE?
See Alexandria’s Small Business Marketing Blog.
WANT TO USE THIS ARTICLE IN YOUR E-ZINE OR WEB SITE? You can, as long as you include this complete blurb with it: Online entrepreneur Alexandria K. Brown, “The E-zine Queen,” publishes the award-winning ‘Straight Shooter Marketing’ weekly ezine with 24,000+ subscribers. If you’re ready to jump-start your marketing, make more money, and have more fun in your small business, get your FREE tips now at www.EzineQueen.com
Topics: Networking | No Comments »
Please excuse me, but what happened to just playing?
By Expert | February 5, 2008
Now that health clubs are wired for the wireless world, we are hearing and seeing what people are doing while they are working out.
Goodness, you can check your email, monitor your investment portfolio, read a book, or even talk on your cell phone.
C’mon folks, this is carrying multi-tasking too far. Spending time with your body is not doing two things at the same time!
This is comparable to doing a crossword puzzle while making love.
Movement/exercise is the time to be with your body, not something you take for a walk or ignore while you are busy with “more important things.”
(As you can see, I am a little stubborn about this!)
Your body loves to move and wants your complete attention when you are moving with her.
In return, when you allow your body to enjoy herself through movement, the mind and the spirit will be refreshed and creative.
Let me reframe this for you with a simple mantra:
Your mind takes your body to a business meeting.
Let your body take your mind to the place where you move.
At the gym, in your living room, outside amongst the birds and bees, give your physical side its time to play. Movement/exercise is an escape from mental stress, not another way to encounter it.
Movement, in its purest sense is creation.
Physical activity is best when your total being (mind/body) is focused on the act of doing, your mind is free from the worries you place upon it.
Remember the moment you have been involved in the activity you love to perform:dancing,skiing,,running,walking,hiking,horseback riding,canoeing,biking
–you were so concentrated that you lose all sense of time–enveloped in the moment of space.
The real joy of movement is listening to your body, feeling it thrive in response to exertion. Movement awakens your awareness of your body.
It is so wonderful. Your body wants to play! I encourage you to give yourself and your body this gift of living.
Answer your email after the time you spent with your body. You will look and feel better for making this choice
Quote: ‘Movement is the springboard to having a conversation with your body so that you make better choices in all areas of your life’-Stephanie Wood (now that is what I call ‘multi-tasking’) —Creator or the Body Knowledge System ™ coachstephanie@att.net
–
Warmly,
Stephanie Wood, ICF Certified
Coach,PCC
Your Body Knowledge Expert/Coach
i.e.
Movement/Lifestyles/Mentor/
Business Coach
***
“Movement creates energy and
energy breathes life into your soul!”(c)
Learn strategies to Move your Body in Your own Way!
Check out my Body Knowledge (TM) Group
classes starting every 12 weeks!
go to Http://www.dancefitnessplus.com
and click on teleclasses!Hope to
see you!
***
coachstephanie@att.net
http://www.dancefitnessplus.com
908-654-8459
***
Certified Coachville Mentor Coach
Certified Inspired Professional
Coach
Certified Intuitive Eating Coach
Certified Teleclass Leader Coach
Certified Law of Attraction
Practitioner
ILCT Certified Wellness Coach
Licensed Extreme Self Care Coach
Licensed Personal Freedom Coach
Topics: From Our Experts | No Comments »
Moving Your Body from the Inside out
By Expert | January 8, 2008
Moving Your Body from the Inside out ©Learn the First Step to get started
by Stephanie Wood
Movement/Lifestyle/Business/Mentor Coach
Body Knowledge System ™ Expert/Coach
Strategy #1:
- Use your thoughts wisely. Understand that your thoughts have power.
Thoughts have a
tendency to become their physical equivalent. This is one of the
fundamental laws of the universe. Another one is the law of attraction,
which states that ”like attracts like.” Because it is consciousness that
creates reality, the kind of consciousness you hold, your vibration,
actually creates the kind of life you’re living.
**
Formula for you to explore:
Thought to a feeling to a behavior to a result
So how does this relate to moving with your body everyday?
Well,
For example: if I tell my body the thought: I feel fat today! well,
Then that thought becomes a feeling, and I feel heavy so then, I am not motivated to move my body (behavior)
I become unconscious and the result
is that I go back to my computer(result) and ignore my body and feel even more sluggish. Egad!
Vs. this scenario:
So let’s “reframe your thought” and think of a positive word/ or phrase: (opposite of fat = may be light)
I feel light…the thought becomes a feeling: I feel lighter with my body so I want to move my body and the behavior/result is that
I put on some music and walk around the house or go outside with my body and walk.
**
I encourage you to practice this exercise above and see how your body becomes liberated to move and Lo and behold: you are in integrity with your body . See how she/he responds to your renewed attention. You both will skip down the yellow brick road with joy! And join Stephanie in her next teleclass to learn more! Http://www.dancefitnessplus.com © Stephanie Wood 2008
Meet me on a teleclass in the convenience of your own home!
908-654-8459
Topics: From Our Experts | No Comments »
Find the Dancer in You
By Expert | December 12, 2007
Find the Dancer in You
Learn how to listen to what your Body really has to tell you ©
By Stephanie Wood
Creator : Body Knowledge System™
http://www.dancefitnessplus.com
908-654-8459
Here are 4 steps to get you started so that you can fully hear what your body is telling you.
P.S. She/He has her own unique intelligence. She/He always tells the truth
- Breathe consciously and deeply: Feel the oxygen move in and out and through you to all parts of your body, not just your chest.
- Stretch deeply and luxuriously: Focus and BE with the muscles you are stretching…as thoughts come and go in your mind, let your mind know that you are spending time with your body for this moment.
- Think like a dancer: As you move through your daily activities, think of yourself as a dancer on the stage. Feel each movement.
As you reach for something, be conscious not only of the goal but of the physical process of reaching for it or picking it up.
I encourage you to be with your body as you move through your day.
- Get in the habit of including your body in your decision-making processes:
See how your body is responding to one of your choices
Notice when you and your body feel light, then you realize it is a right choice.
And
Notice when your body feels tight and uncomfortable about a choice…
Perhaps this is a warning to wait.
In this scenario…movement is key…any kind of movement…this movement will arouse all of your senses to make the right choice for you in the moment.
I look forward to sharing more of my Body Knowledge System ™ with you in oncoming articles.
© Copyright Stephanie Wood 2007/2008
908-654-8459
http://www.dancefitnessplus.com
My 12 week Body Knowledge System™ Teleclass (By phone) Series begins again in January 2008
1 on 1 coaching is also available
Free Consultation available by appt.
–
Warmly,
Stephanie Wood, ICF Certified
Coach,PCC
Your Body Knowledge Expert/Coach
i.e.
Movement/Lifestyles/Mentor/
Business Coach
***
“Movement creates energy and
energy
breathes life into your soul!”(c)
Learn strategies to Move your Body
in Your own Way!
Check out my Body Knowledge (TM)
Group
classes starting every 12 weeks!
go to
Http://www.dancefitnessplus.com
and click on teleclasses!Hope to
see you!
***
Certified Coachville Mentor Coach
Certified Inspired Professional
Coach
Certified Intuitive Eating Coach
Certified Teleclass Leader Coach
Certified Law of Attraction
Practitioner
ILCT Certified Wellness Coach
Licensed Extreme Self Care Coach
Licensed Personal Freedom Coach
Topics: Networking | No Comments »
SEASONS GREETINGS
By Expert | December 4, 2007
What a terrific year 2007 has been. Join me in making 2008 even better for you, your clients and the world.
My gift to you is a new, free report from our partner SLIMTASTIC. ”Think Yourself Thin” an excerpt form the highly anticipated SLIMTASTIC book will go to subscribers only!! Sent out near the end of December. this will be an invaluable resource. You and your clients will be ready to create resolutions that will work!
HELP US GROW OUR LIST and FEED THE HUNGRY TOO!:
1. Share with a friend because for every new subscriber in December, IAWLC will make a donation to the World Hunger Fund. Share your good fortune and this email with your friends.
Our subscription is free. Subscribers receive
- “127 Tools for Successful Coaches”
- “Think Yourself Thin!”
- AND fed those in need!!
Just click the Join Our Mailing List link below.
2. Our gift to IAWLC Members will be a Bundle of Block Buster Business Building Tools — As well as our fabulous member benefits. Make 2008 your year!! Join Today!
3. For every New December Member there is a holiday discount of $50. Join Today!
($10 from every paid membership goes to the World Hunger Fund. Honoring those for whom weight loss is not an issue.)
| Enjoy,KeriFounder and President |
| Join Our Mailing List! |
Topics: From the President | No Comments »
Many blessings
By Expert | November 21, 2007
HAVE A WONDERFUL THANKSGIING! Take time to focus on family, friends and your blessings. Make food a small part of the tradition and love. Try a healthier pumpkin pie:1- ½ packages Mori-Nu Silken Lite Firm Tofu
2 C Canned or Cooked Pumpkin
2/3 C Splenda or Preferred Sweetener
1 tsp. Vanilla
2 tsp Cinnamon
¾ tsp Ground Ginger
½ tsp Nutmeg
½ tsp Ground Cloves
Crust can be made using ground almonds ( grind in a blender till course – be careful not to make almond butter). Mix 1 C ground almond meal with ¼ melted smart butter (not the lite kind). Press into pie plate to form crust. Add filling and bake until set 350 for about one hour. Filling will firm as it cools.
Topics: From the President | No Comments »
What a week!
By Expert | November 2, 2007
Wow, this has been a busy week. I have been networking and sharing my passion for weight loss with lots of people!!
I have a new article on the power-pops coming out soon with associated content. If you enjoy writing and want to wet your feet while getting paid check them out. Their payment is very small but you are then a PAID author!!
I submit articles every once in a while. Here is the link http://www.associatedcontent.com/join.html?refer=37760
Writing is a terrific way to boost your expert status!
Keri
Topics: From the President | No Comments »
My Millionaire Friends
By Expert | October 23, 2007
Would you like a few Millionaire Friends? Friends you can mastermind with? My coach Sheri McConnell has created a way for you to take your business to the next level
and earn more than you ever have before?
Check out her site! My Millionaire Friends . Sheri is an amazing woman who juggles several six figure companies and her family of four children!! She has been adding to my success and this new program should be extremely exciting!
Keri
Topics: Events, From the President | No Comments »
Nov. 15th Boulder, Colo, USA
By Expert | October 17, 2007
Keri K Silk, Founder and President of IAWLC, will be presenting “Finding the Skinny in You”
Dates: Thursday November 15, 2007
Time: 11:45 am - 1:15 pm
Location: Sunflower Restaurant, 1701 Pearl St., Boulder Colorado, USA
Cost: $25 - includes delicious organic salad bar, soup, and drink (gratuity included)
To register contact: Sue McCullough
email: interludecoach@aol.com phone: 720-849-2892
web: http://www.suemccullough.com
Topics: Events | No Comments »
Members Forum Up & Running
By Expert | October 10, 2007
Hi to all the new members!!
Our forum is up and running — on our members only home page there will be a link that says click here! It brings you to our member only virtual office. Once you are registered (NO additional cost) You will be able to share posts and messages on the forum. You can dd to the calender and more!! Have fun explore and let us know what you think.
Coming soon to the members only page will be a listing of diet programs, their links and requests for ratings.
Tell us what you have experienced, have a ready made resource that you can click and share with your members. Add others!!
Every day we add more.
Take advantage of the charter membership only $75.00 and only available from the newsletter link.
Keri
Topics: FAQs | No Comments »