Time and time again I see other marketers doing what I consider to be the cardinal sin of not only online marketing, but business in general. These salespeople ignore their customers and treat them as nothing more than a simple nuisance.

You’d think it’s well known that eighty percent of your business will come from your customers (if you treat them right). However, the way some online sellers act, they most likely don’t realize the incredible benefits of treating their customers like gold.

The benefits of good customer relationships mean more repeat sales, fewer refund requests, and in many cases, more sales through referral marketing. After ten years of marketing online, I found that the following rules make a very happy and satisfied customer:

Contact your customer within 24 hours of first contact

Online, 24 hours can seem like an eternity to your customer. Many times they want to be sure that their purchase was not a mistake. If you allow doubt to linger, buyer’s remorse may creep in and a refund request could be just around the corner.

Offer your customers unexpected bonuses

Always overdeliver and give your customers bonuses not included in your sales letter, either directly after the sale or several days later as a “thank you.” Be sure to collect your customers’ emails so you can send them random free bonuses, which will build their loyalty and keep you and your business fresh in their minds.

Be prompt with refunds

It’s always difficult to refund a customer, but failing to do so can lead to chargebacks and other potential headaches. Many times a customer has a legitimate reason for requesting a refund and will then make multiple purchases from you.

Create quality products and services.

No matter what you offer your client, make sure the quality is always extremely high. When developing a product, I always ask myself, “Would I be happy if I bought this?” before offering it for sale. If I can’t honestly answer yes, then I’m back to the drawing board.

Your customer has put their faith in you and handed over their hard earned money for one of your products or services. You need to reward this loyalty with prompt customer service, unexpected bonuses, and most importantly, quality products. If you’re one of those marketers looking to make a quick buck and trying to squeeze every penny out of your customers, you’re not going to last long in any business, period.