If you intend to work at home full-time, make sure you have best equipment you can have. You’ll need a chair designed to offer full support over long periods of time. You’ll want a desk that offers ample space, with a keyboard tray to help prevent shoulder strain. You’ll also need your monitor placed at eye level and to have even, natural lighting in room.

Think you can’t afford all these things? Sure you can! Check your local phone directory for used office furniture. You’ll be amazed at bargains you can find. I recently purchased a used desk that was in perfect condition for only $225. The new price was $650. Office chairs, bookcases, printer stands, lamps, and all types of other office furniture were available at 50%-80% off. I could have revamped my entire office for price of one desk bought at retail.

Other options? Check your Sunday newspaper for "going out of business postings", auctions, and used furniture listings. There are bargains to be found everywhere.

When it comes to your small business, you need to consider yourself and your well-being first. After all, if YOU aren’t in good shape, how can your business be? With a little investigation, you can have all comforts of home (or home office) for a fraction of cost.

Diane C. Hughes * ProBizTips.com

1. Weigh your options. Many small business owners panic at sound of word "refund". Don't! Think seriously about what you'll be losing. You could take a small loss of $29.95 now (or whatever cost of product is) in exchange for future sales; or you can retain your $29.95 and lose hundreds or thousands of dollars later in future business. If their complaints are handled to their satisfaction, majority of consumers say they will buy from your company again.

2. Get personal. The number one complaint most consumers have is that businesses don't appear to care whether they buy from them or not. Get to know your customers. Send a thank you note or small gift when a purchase is made. Fire off a short "just checking in" email when customer's purchases seem to slow down just to ensure all is OK. This extra effort will be noticed - and appreciated.

3. Follow through. If and when a problem with a customer does arise, be sure to follow through. Don't simply tell customer that you'll ship a replacement product immediately. Call or email them a day or two later to be sure new product arrived and is working as needed. This is a true way to WOW your customers and lock in future purchases.

4. Have a plan. Don't fall victim to "policy", but do have a flexible plan of action for when customers aren't 100% satisfied. Knowing what you plan to do will alleviate some of shock and stress associated with handling unsatisfied customers. It will also allow you to present yourself in a helpful and friendly way when working to fix problem.

A 1996 study performed by U.S. White House Office of Consumer Affairs proved that, if you treat your customers with genuine caring and fairness, they will indeed reward you with their repeat business for years to come. That's something you just can't get from ads or autoresponders!

Diane C. Hughes * ProBizTips.com