Bounce-backs: the most effective, least used tool

Your existing customers are waiting to be invited back. Sure, you've got POP and large displays in your store, and your staff is excellent at saying "Thank you. Come again."

But "come again" when? And, better yet, why?

Don't assume your customers know that you are open late on Saturdays or that you have a new flavor of cheesecake. Don't assume that they know your most recent delivery included a shipment of the New York Time's latest bestseller.

Invite them back - with a bounce-back coupon.

Bounce-backs are used to increase customer frequency in a couple of ways:

• Invite them to bring a friend (Buy 1, Get 1)
• Invite them to try a new (or latent) product (Let us cater your event - 10% off your next catering)
• Invite them to be first to receive new shipments (Harry Potter arrives Wednesday!)
• Give them a reason to visit you in the morning, in addition to their afternoon visit (1/2 off muffins - with coffee purchase - before 9am)
• Tell them about the new drive through (Now Open!)
• Or give them helpful suggestions ($5 off oil change when you rotate your tires at the same time)

Bounce-backs can be used to drive trial of new or latent products, introduce services, increase ticket average, increase party size, and increase frequency of visit. They're flexible, too. You can stop any offer at any time if you sell out or, best case, when the item catches on and you don't have to promote it any more. Use them today, stop them tomorrow.

Bounce-backs can be personal invitations to your best friends - your current customers.