2. Support Your Mission with Effective Training. It’s not enough to create a mission statement that sits in darkest regions of organization. Provide ongoing training so that “common-sense” customer service becomes a part of mission statement and your organization gives customer an outstanding customer experience. In my situation at store, that was a situation that would have never happened if cashier had correct training on how to interact with customer. Also discuss mission statement at staff and employee meetings and coachings. If you have option, videotape your employees interacting with your customers.

3. Motivate for More of Same. Make every effort to “catch” your employees or co-workers doing something good. This means at earliest moment you see or hear about anyone in your organization, make sure you reward or acknowledge him or her for their efforts. Preferably in public. This could be a “great job” sticker, a discount coupon to a restaurant or store or a simple “thank-you for a job well done.” Remember, key is to reward individuals as soon as possible after action you want to see.

These are three “common-sense” customer service ideas that you can implement today to keep your customers coming back and grow your business.

Pending your labelmaker choice, tape refills come in multiple colors and sizes. For instance, you can have gold writing on a clear background or popular black writing on a white background. Tape could be a half inch wide or even an inch wide. Prices for tape cartridge refills vary. Label-making devices with a built-in automatic cutter will slice tape to appropriate length (versus using handheld scissors). "My labelmaker prints five sizes of type in seven styles on one or two lines," says Hatcher. "And I can purchase refill tapes in colors such as gold, silver, pink or blue."

Label-making gadgets usually operate on batteries though AC adapters are sometimes an option too. Some labeling systems use software and a USB cable that connects a labelmaker to your computer. Other systems are portable handheld devices making it easier for you to label at any location in office.

Manufacturers often call label-making devices different names such as handheld labeling system, electronic labeling system, label printer, handheld labelmaker and electronic labeler. Sizes vary from small handheld devices that you can hold in one hand to large ones about size of an adding machine. And prices vary starting from $20 to $30 and rising with added features. Look for label-making systems at your nearest office supply retailer. Many other type retailers sell them too. Or do a search with label-making device terms noted above on Web. Happy labeling!

© 2004 Karen Fritscher-Porter