As a business owner, you already know how important it is for your customers to feel safe about doing business with you. After all, if a customer even suspects he may not receive everything he was promised, then chances are he’s taking his business elsewhere. So to prevent that you offer guarantees, secure payment methods, prompt customer service, and more.
You do whatever it takes to show each customer that you are sincere and trustworthy. But what steps do you take to protect yourself and your livelihood?
Too many business owners spend all their time worrying about their customers’ security without thinking of their own, even though small companies must often deal with customer fraud, non-paying clients, and more.
Just as you’ve taken steps to ensure that your customers are satisfied with their buying experience, so should you feel comfortable and secure by taking a few precautions of your own.
Get Everything in Writing
Written contracts are not just for helping customers understand what they can expect to receive for their money, they are about laying down the ground rules for your business relationship. When these guidelines are in writing, nothing is left up for a debate or becomes a misunderstanding.
Both parties can be assured that their interests are being protected and both should have a clear understanding of their rights and responsibilities in the event that something goes awry.
Written contracts also don’t need to be crafted by lawyers. You can write everything out yourself in ordinary, easy to understand language. When you and the customer sign it, it becomes a legal and binding agreement. It’s really that simple.
Don’t Be Naive
So many people in business get burned by their customers simply because they are too trusting. For example, some of you may have shipped products before the customers’ payments cleared. Or you may have completed agreed upon work without asking for a deposit. Both are risky propositions as many new entrepreneurs discover the hard way, especially if they do business online.
You can protect yourself by always asking for a partial payment in advance and by always waiting until a customer’s payment has cleared before you ship their products.
Know Your Local Laws
One of the best ways to protect yourself is by becoming informed. When you know your legal rights, you’ll have a better understanding of how to effectively deal with troublesome customers.
For example, some states don’t allow you to limit a customer’s right to return a product beyond a certain time limit, so you may not legally be able to enforce a guarantee of only one week. On the other hand, if you know your rights, then you’ll also understand what steps to take in case legal action on your part is necessary.
For instance, you may want to send a certified letter demanding payment before you file a lawsuit. Additionally, if you appear knowledgeable about your rights, many customers might think twice before failing to pay or committing fraud.
The bottom line is that you deserve to be protected just as much as your customers. A few advance precautions now can ensure that you’ll have a long and satisfying business relationship with your customers. Did you find these tips useful? Feel free to share your views below.
