Take a lesson from cupid and make your sales soar this Valentine's Day. The moment a customer enters your business or website you should smother them with love and give them a reason to buy from you.  No matter what you sell!

1.   Use The Language of Love -- Consider your market.  Then, speak their language. For example, if your products and services appeal to teens, then you may want to consider using the word "like" instead of "love."

2.   Under $20 -- $20 is the magic number for impulse shoppers on Valentines Day.  So, it's imperative you offer and highlight items that are $20 or less.  Make your customer's decision easy especially since most shoppers are not afraid to spend $20, especially online.

3.   Customized Note Cards -- Offer all customers the ability to include a personal note with their gift. Whether you're doing business online or in-person, always make available attractive note cards customers can personalize. Take it a step further and stock at least 10 prewritten love [and like] messages for customers who lack the ability to express themselves. They'll appreciate your thoughtfulness.

4.   Gift Wrapping - Whether you are selling a gift certificate or a box of chocolates, receiving a wrapped gift makes the recipient feel more cherished. She'll think warm thoughts such as, "Oh....he took the extra time to wrap it. That's why I love him." Ultimately, she'll love the gift and this will increase your chances of your customer returning to your store or website to purchase their birthday, anniversary, "I'm Sorry" and holiday presents!

5.   Create a Mood -- It's Valentine's Day. Even if you sell bricks for a living, remember to build-in a mood of romance throughout your customers' shopping experience. Try hanging red streamers over your rafters, displaying complimentary chocolates at the counter alongside your Valentine's Day special offer POP, or a simple website page boarder with connected hearts.  Passersby will get the hint that you have some great Valentine's Day gifts inside.

6.   Provide Variety -- It's important to position at least one of your existing products and services as a great Valentine's Day present.

For a restaurant---rather than just advertise your restaurant as a place to take your lover for Valentine's Day, instead, sell a premium-priced packaged dinner. For example, "Now accepting reservations for Valentine's Day. Spend the evening with Chef Sue as she prepares a private menu, created exclusively for our Valentines' Day guests. You'll also receive a complimentary bottle of champagne and hors d'oeuvres. Limited to 25 other guests. Elegantly priced at $249 per couple."

For a travel or entertainment facility---package overnight accommodations with an "activity" of their choice that could be a day skiing, horseback riding, hiking, golfing (in warmer climates) or any other activity that couples would enjoy together and you have access to be able to provide.

For a real estate or insurance professionals---Create a "We'll take care of the details" package for clients that add a service or closes a sale before Valentine's Day.  Besides whatever they purchased from you, they would have a dozen roses sent to the person of their choice.  Sound like a great idea but you lack a budget?  Try partnering with a local florist in exchange for advertising trade.

For a product retail store or website---Combine items into 3 different levels of gift baskets.  Such as, "Like them: $20", "Love them: $50", "Head over heals of them: $100".  Build free shipping into the products using regular mail but charge a premium for overnight delivery.

Brought to you by Samantha Rufo , President of nxtConcepts

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