OverEagerly.com

Major industrial groups, including Reliance industries, have lined up to buy or rent space at major malls being set up in the holy city. The Reliance group, which has recently ventured into retail segment, has shown keen interest to set up shop for its large retail stores. This would be the first retail store by a leading company in Punjab.

A leading real estate developer and at present involved in a major construction project for a leading construction company in Delhi, Mr Kapil Mehra, said that the upcoming malls have been receiving quite enthusiastic response from the leading Indian and international brands, including major food chains, to set up their retail outlets in the city.

With the retail segment here expe cting a major sales boom due to urbanisation of the city, the leading manufacturers and industrial houses have started scouting for spaces for direct sales segment to showcase their product range.

Mr Mehra said that city had emerged as one of the most important tourist spot in the country with over one lakh pilgrims and devotees visiting Amritsar recently. This has ushered in massive investment into the shopping mall segment in and around the city. The pride of place, the Mall Road, has become the “Mall’s street” with eight to 10 major real estate developers having descended here to develop multiplexes, shopping complexes and commercial estates. The developers are also eyeing other prime posh localities of the city.

Mr Kapil Mehra said that a majority of these malls, numbering more than 10, would become functional by the end 2007 and 2008 and would offer space for lease or for sale to the reputed and established names in the country. He said that a mall or a multiplex usually offered around five lakh square feet area each in the each building. He said at present the mall authorities were receiving enthusiastic response from India and abroad. He claimed that majority of the space available in the malls would be sold out positively by next year.

The retail segment in India, especially in the northern states, had been growing considerably and the people of this area were preferring to do their shopping in the malls and enjoy all international class facilities.

Not to be left behind the major food chains giants, restaurants and hotels were also making a beeline to set up food courts at these malls offering a wide variety of food items from Italian to American fast food, Thai food, Indian cuisine besides typical Punjabi and continental food as well.

The major builders who have undertaken the construction of the one of these world-class malls, include Omaxe builders, MGF, Metroplitan malls, Celebrations by Advance Projects India Limited, Maiden Malls by Today Homes. Besides these builders local builders too have launched four commercial buildings.

Madan Mohan Malvia road, Queenz road, Lawrence Road, Court Road have emerged as the major locations for the construction of more malls and commercial complexes.

For more information on Real Estate Agents, MLS visit Propertiesmls.com

Source: IndiaRealEstateblog

Propertiesmls
http://www.articlesbase.com/real-estate-articles/reliance-to-set-up-retail-outlet-82360.html

One of the critical concerns of retail businesses today is Retail Loss Prevention. This is true regardless of the size of the business. Small family owned businesses face the same problems with shop-lifting and burglaries as large department stores. Such crimes are on the rise and the authorities can do little to prevent them. The best the police can do is to try to catch the criminals after the fact, but this seldom leads to the recovery of lost inventory.

It is up to business owners to find and install good Loss Prevention Systems that keep these crimes from ever occurring or stop them in the act. While no Retail Loss Prevention System is foolproof, modern technology has provided the means to protect even the largest business complex and minimize losses.

However, the best Loss Prevention Systems must contain the latest technology and be properly installed and maintained. CCTV, (closed circuit television) Systems often provide the best protection for retailers if they are properly set up.

Unfortunately, many small retailers try to cut costs by simply installing a few closed circuit cameras on the premises. While this may work to a limited extent, it will not provide the coverage needed to fully protect the business. CCTV Systems are virtually useless if there are blank spots that can easily be spotted by potential thieves.

So if your business is in the market for the best Retail Loss Prevention products you’ll want to find the best services and products at an affordable price.
There are companies with great reputations that have been in the business of providing the best in service and Retail Loss Prevention equipment for years.

The CCTV Systems that are offered should be top of the line and you’ll want to have superior installation and consulting services when you decide to get a system.

CCTV systems incorporate the best in current technology into integrated systems that will fit the needs of any size business. Everything you need to protect your business can be found if you know where to look. The products come from the top manufacturers and include cameras and monitors, lenses, mirrors, wireless systems, and printers. You can also get a wide variety of time lapse VCRS, phone line video equipment, and domes and enclosures.

The brand names for such products range from top of the line, to more affordable brands that work just as well. In addition to finding the right products for your protection you’ll also want to locate the right experts to help you design and install the exact Retail Loss Prevention system you need to protect your business. These can range from single camera units to the latest in multivision technology that incorporates a 4 camera black and white digital picture processor. This can often be the most cost effective application available for a retail business.

There is no longer any reason for you to see the bottom line of your retail business suffer due to product losses. The technology is available to help you and it will often pay for itself in a short period of time by keeping your products on the shelves where they belong, instead of in the hands of thieves.

Protect your company today before it is too late.

Anna Woodward
http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/solutions-for-retail-loss-prevention-89954.html

One of the critical concerns of retail businesses today is Retail Loss Prevention. This is true regardless of the size of the business. Small family owned businesses face the same problems with shop-lifting and burglaries as large department stores. Such crimes are on the rise and the authorities can do little to prevent them. The best the police can do is to try to catch the criminals after the fact, but this seldom leads to the recovery of lost inventory.

It is up to business owners to find and install good Loss Prevention Systems that keep these crimes from ever occurring or stop them in the act. While no Retail Loss Prevention System is foolproof, modern technology has provided the means to protect even the largest business complex and minimize losses.

However, the best Loss Prevention Systems must contain the latest technology and be properly installed and maintained. CCTV, (closed circuit television) Systems often provide the best protection for retailers if they are properly set up.

Unfortunately, many small retailers try to cut costs by simply installing a few closed circuit cameras on the premises. While this may work to a limited extent, it will not provide the coverage needed to fully protect the business. CCTV Systems are virtually useless if there are blank spots that can easily be spotted by potential thieves.

So if your business is in the market for the best Retail Loss Prevention products you’ll want to find the best services and products at an affordable price.
There are companies with great reputations that have been in the business of providing the best in service and Retail Loss Prevention equipment for years.

The CCTV Systems that are offered should be top of the line and you’ll want to have superior installation and consulting services when you decide to get a system.

CCTV systems incorporate the best in current technology into integrated systems that will fit the needs of any size business. Everything you need to protect your business can be found if you know where to look. The products come from the top manufacturers and include cameras and monitors, lenses, mirrors, wireless systems, and printers. You can also get a wide variety of time lapse VCRS, phone line video equipment, and domes and enclosures.

The brand names for such products range from top of the line, to more affordable brands that work just as well. In addition to finding the right products for your protection you’ll also want to locate the right experts to help you design and install the exact Retail Loss Prevention system you need to protect your business. These can range from single camera units to the latest in multivision technology that incorporates a 4 camera black and white digital picture processor. This can often be the most cost effective application available for a retail business.

There is no longer any reason for you to see the bottom line of your retail business suffer due to product losses. The technology is available to help you and it will often pay for itself in a short period of time by keeping your products on the shelves where they belong, instead of in the hands of thieves.

Protect your company today before it is too late.

Anna Woodward
http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/solutions-for-retail-loss-prevention-89954.html

Many businesses sell their products or services to consumers on terms. The consumer can purchase high priced goods and services with affordable monthly payments over 6 to 60 months. This enables many consumers to buy products and services, which they could not pay for in one large payment.

This method of buying products and services allows consumers to enjoy and utilize products immediately while paying for it over several months or years and fits into a budget that is manageable. This type of purchase is called a Retail Installment Contract, which is between the retail establishment or merchant and the consumer. The consumer signs a contract and agrees to pay the merchant a monthly payment until the purchase amount of the product plus the interest is paid in full. When the contract is paid in full, the consumer has full ownership of the product.

Many businesses would be unable to stay in business if they did not sell goods and services on terms. Products and services ranging from $500.00 to $15,000.00 are usually financed – sold by using a Retail Installment Contract. A good example would be purchasing a car. The car is financed for 60 to 72 months and the buyer can drive the car as long as the payments are made each month.

Buying a home would not be considered a consumer Retail Installment Contract. A home is financed by a mortgage with a payment term of 30 years.

Some common industries that sell products and services using Retail Installment Contracts are Health, Home, Technology, Education, and Recreation. These might include Computers, Campgrounds, Radio Keratotomy, Personal Jewelry, Internet Access, Nursing, Travel Clubs, Orthodontia, Security Systems, Web Sites, Massage, Resorts Timeshares, Veterinary, Water Purification, Dating Services, Electric Mobility, Furniture, Business Opportunities, Fitness Equipment, Hearing Aids, Plastic Surgery, Pet Stores, Appliances, Household Goods, Seminars, Martial Arts, Dentistry, Buyer’s Clubs, Electronics, Health Clubs, Piano Sales, etc.

Merchants can be traditional brick and mortar retail and service stores, in-home direct sellers, direct-mail, infomercial sellers, and internet sellers. Merchants that are selling products or services that range between $500 and $15,000 may lose many sales opportunities unless they offer financing to the buyer. By utilizing a consumer finance company, merchants are not required to have deep pockets to carry the sales financing themselves.

A finance company buys (at a discount) the installment sales contracts of retail merchants, which provides an immediate cash flow to the merchant. The merchant can stock more products and make more sales. A merchant can sell new Retail Installment Contracts as they are originated and their current in house portfolio of consumer receivables to generate immediate cash for restocking, capital improvements, and provide working capital.

Carson Nash
http://www.articlesbase.com/finance-articles/retail-installment-contracts-and-consumer-receivables-112154.html

Retail loss prevention is vital to the success of your retail business. Shoplifters cause retailers billions of dollars in retail losses each year. Employee theft is an equally insidious contributor to losses in inventory or cash. Robbery and vandalism can cause serious financial damage to your business.

There are numerous ways to protect your inventory and ensure the success of your business. Be thorough in your hiring practices. Be sure your employees are aware of any loss prevention measures you employ at your business. Be alert in your environment. Learn to spot the signs of potential shoplifters. Are customers spending too much time browsing? Utilize strategically placed mirrors in difficult-to-see areas of your retail business. Security tags, combined with security gates, can help some businesses keep track of their inventory as well.

Most small businesses lack the financial means to hire a professional dedicated to retail loss prevention. One alternative, and one of the most effective methods of loss prevention, is modern security technology, which can significantly reduce the losses your business will suffer if you are the victim of a crime. A Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) system is one method of retail loss prevention that can, at best, completely deter theft of your retail property and, at least, document a crime and help police to apprehend the criminals and recover your goods if your business is targeted.

CCTV systems work by sending a signal to a set of monitors or recording devices. Some security systems provide live, real-time surveillance that can be actively monitored throughout the day. Other systems can record the activities in your retail location for use on an as-needed basis. You must determine what kind of system would best fit your retail loss prevention needs.

Be sure to place your security camera or cameras in areas of your retail store that will get the most effective coverage of the area. A security system that monitors only a small area of your space is not very effective. Don’t place cameras in vulnerable locations, such as within easy reach, where they could be tampered with.

Decide whether you’d be better served by a hidden camera system or a visible system. While hidden camera systems may more readily catch unsuspecting thieves in the act, a highly visible security system may serve as a deterrent to theft altogether. You should also decide, based on the size of your retail business, whether a single camera would provide all the security you need, or whether a multi-camera system would be appropriate. Larger businesses would probably not be served well with single-camera systems, and vice versa.

Advancing technologies make it even easier to monitor your business and prevent losses due to crime. Old, familiar videotape security systems, while still available, are becoming obsolete and are being replaced by systems utilizing digital recording devices, providing a much higher level of quality. Updated security systems even have the capability to send signals directly to a computer.

Cameras, monitors, and VCRs or digital recording devices can be combined to provide a high level of protection against retail loss. There are numerous details to consider as you plan for your personalized security system. Most suppliers of security equipment not only provide the security systems, but also offer installation of your new system and consulting services for getting the most out of your investment. Experts can help you analyze your needs and create an effective security system for maximum retail loss prevention.

Anna Woodward
http://www.articlesbase.com/electronics-articles/proactive-retail-loss-prevention-techniques-to-save-your-business-money-54483.html

            One of the major reasons businesses fail today is due to poor customer service. When a retail business is born, its main objective is to gain and build a strong customer base. Many businesses today are successful because of this strong customer base. Businesses advertise on radio, television and newspapers all the time. Huge budgets are spent on commercials. It is not the advertising on television or in newspapers that will retain the customer. It is the ability of management and its staff to retain those customers   that will contribute to the success of the business. A bad taste or feeling left with a customer at any time would leave a lasting impression. Therefore, the business must always provide excellent customer service, no matter the situation. It is always important to leave a good impression with your customers.  The old adage is correct:  The customer is always right!

           The impact of customer service is especially noticeable at the front counter. This is the first place a customer goes to make an inquiry and where the customer checks out.  It is the last place they go before leaving the retail store. It is said “the first impression is usually the last impression.”

A study was done in June, 2000 by Bain & Company, Mainspring with over 2000 customers in three retail segments: apparel, groceries, and consumer electronic/ appliances. It showed that 10 percent of customers would rather shop online because they believe they would get better and faster service just with the interaction on the internet… no telephone conversation, no long queues at the retail stores.

 The study cites that a 20 percent increase in customer satisfaction generates a 5 percent increase in customer loyalty and a 20 percent increase in profits. Bain and Mainspring found that the level and quality of customer support was the top-ranked factor driving repeat purchases by customers.

“Companies that are able to maintain their loyal customers and keep them there with a superior value proposition have a huge built-in advantage over pure plays” said Darrell Rigby, director at Bain & Company. “They need to focus on getting the basics right: superior service leads to satisfied customers; satisfied customers lead to referrals and referrals are the most effective way to build an unmatchable customer base.”  The study that was conducted by Bain & Company highlights the following as a way of improving on poor customer service:

• Identify your best customer segment and understand their needs precisely.  It is important to note that not all customers are profitable. Hence, tailor your offer to your best customers. Make sure to understand what your best customers really need and why they are no longer customers.

• Use available technology to improve customer service and management cost: A self served checkout area could help to enhance the service offering to customers, reduce long lines on the checkout areas while keeping costs down. Customers can check-out on their own without waiting for store employees to ring up the sales and finish the transaction ;thus, reducing overhead in the store. (www.retailindustry.)

• Tackle company traditions that threaten implementation of service initiative.Some retail businesses have ingrained behaviors and attitudes that hinder delivering superior customer service. Implementing new ideas focused on the customer may be difficult until those old beliefs are buried. Appointing a customer service champion at the board level can help infuse new thinking into the company. Linking rewards to service measures can create some momentum behind the implementation.(www.retailindustry.com)

• Retail businesses need to train, train and re-train employees on the best methods of treating customers. It is important to note that when someone walks into a store that there is potential for making money. The employees should try and see how best to help the customer.

                                      Delivering Fast and Friendly Service

           Exxon Mobil is an industry leader in each of its core businesses and has an unmatched array of proprietary technologies aimed at increasing the productivity of its assets and employees. The company conducts business in almost 200 countries and territories around the globe.  It has established a new definition for world-class scale and efficiency in the fuel marketing business.

            There are ways in which a retail business is able to improve its poor customer service.  The study that follows is research on Exxon Mobil store #26885.  Methods were discovered in how the company was able to improve its customer service.

            Exxon Mobil Company operated Retail Store in 2007 and rolled out its tool called the “TRI MASTER III” (Fast and Friendly Service). This tool addresses the issue of customer service starting with the frontline employees who face these customers every day. To help bring this information to the store, the company required all the managers and district managers to undergo the same training. They will in turn train the sales team members to be effective in delivering quality customer service. They were trained in all aspects of customer service. It ranged from the image of the location, clean and attractive facilities, neatly kept uniforms expected from the employees and quality fresh food   available from the location.

            The tool pointed out 6-steps to customer’s satisfaction which are as follows:

1. Make the Customer Feel Welcome
2. Be Energetic and Helpful
3. Acknowledge Customers in Line
4. Provide Fast Transactions
5. Close the Sale Accurately
6. Thank the customer.

Prior to rolling out the “TRI MASTER III” program, the company had another customer service program G.U.E.S.T:

         G – GREET customers with a hello and offer to help.

         U – UNDERSTAND if customers voice a concern or need

         E – EYE CONTACT when listening or speaking to customers

         S – SMILE whenever customers see you

         T- THANK customers for their business

            The G.U.E.S.T program was a good tool but not effective until the introduction of “TRI MASTER III” and the training of all the employees. There was also a deadline in place by the company to have everyone trained and ready to go. The introduction of the customer service tool, “TRI MASTER III” helped improve the mystery shop results greatly and there was good feedback from all employees.

Joe Wolemonwu
http://www.articlesbase.com/customer-service-articles/improvement-of-customer-service-in-retail-businesses-653850.html

            One of the major reasons businesses fail today is due to poor customer service. When a retail business is born, its main objective is to gain and build a strong customer base. Many businesses today are successful because of this strong customer base. Businesses advertise on radio, television and newspapers all the time. Huge budgets are spent on commercials. It is not the advertising on television or in newspapers that will retain the customer. It is the ability of management and its staff to retain those customers   that will contribute to the success of the business. A bad taste or feeling left with a customer at any time would leave a lasting impression. Therefore, the business must always provide excellent customer service, no matter the situation. It is always important to leave a good impression with your customers.  The old adage is correct:  The customer is always right!

           The impact of customer service is especially noticeable at the front counter. This is the first place a customer goes to make an inquiry and where the customer checks out.  It is the last place they go before leaving the retail store. It is said “the first impression is usually the last impression.”

A study was done in June, 2000 by Bain & Company, Mainspring with over 2000 customers in three retail segments: apparel, groceries, and consumer electronic/ appliances. It showed that 10 percent of customers would rather shop online because they believe they would get better and faster service just with the interaction on the internet… no telephone conversation, no long queues at the retail stores.

 The study cites that a 20 percent increase in customer satisfaction generates a 5 percent increase in customer loyalty and a 20 percent increase in profits. Bain and Mainspring found that the level and quality of customer support was the top-ranked factor driving repeat purchases by customers.

“Companies that are able to maintain their loyal customers and keep them there with a superior value proposition have a huge built-in advantage over pure plays” said Darrell Rigby, director at Bain & Company. “They need to focus on getting the basics right: superior service leads to satisfied customers; satisfied customers lead to referrals and referrals are the most effective way to build an unmatchable customer base.”  The study that was conducted by Bain & Company highlights the following as a way of improving on poor customer service:

• Identify your best customer segment and understand their needs precisely.  It is important to note that not all customers are profitable. Hence, tailor your offer to your best customers. Make sure to understand what your best customers really need and why they are no longer customers.

• Use available technology to improve customer service and management cost: A self served checkout area could help to enhance the service offering to customers, reduce long lines on the checkout areas while keeping costs down. Customers can check-out on their own without waiting for store employees to ring up the sales and finish the transaction ;thus, reducing overhead in the store. (www.retailindustry.)

• Tackle company traditions that threaten implementation of service initiative.Some retail businesses have ingrained behaviors and attitudes that hinder delivering superior customer service. Implementing new ideas focused on the customer may be difficult until those old beliefs are buried. Appointing a customer service champion at the board level can help infuse new thinking into the company. Linking rewards to service measures can create some momentum behind the implementation.(www.retailindustry.com)

• Retail businesses need to train, train and re-train employees on the best methods of treating customers. It is important to note that when someone walks into a store that there is potential for making money. The employees should try and see how best to help the customer.

                                      Delivering Fast and Friendly Service

           Exxon Mobil is an industry leader in each of its core businesses and has an unmatched array of proprietary technologies aimed at increasing the productivity of its assets and employees. The company conducts business in almost 200 countries and territories around the globe.  It has established a new definition for world-class scale and efficiency in the fuel marketing business.

            There are ways in which a retail business is able to improve its poor customer service.  The study that follows is research on Exxon Mobil store #26885.  Methods were discovered in how the company was able to improve its customer service.

            Exxon Mobil Company operated Retail Store in 2007 and rolled out its tool called the “TRI MASTER III” (Fast and Friendly Service). This tool addresses the issue of customer service starting with the frontline employees who face these customers every day. To help bring this information to the store, the company required all the managers and district managers to undergo the same training. They will in turn train the sales team members to be effective in delivering quality customer service. They were trained in all aspects of customer service. It ranged from the image of the location, clean and attractive facilities, neatly kept uniforms expected from the employees and quality fresh food   available from the location.

            The tool pointed out 6-steps to customer’s satisfaction which are as follows:

1. Make the Customer Feel Welcome
2. Be Energetic and Helpful
3. Acknowledge Customers in Line
4. Provide Fast Transactions
5. Close the Sale Accurately
6. Thank the customer.

Prior to rolling out the “TRI MASTER III” program, the company had another customer service program G.U.E.S.T:

         G – GREET customers with a hello and offer to help.

         U – UNDERSTAND if customers voice a concern or need

         E – EYE CONTACT when listening or speaking to customers

         S – SMILE whenever customers see you

         T- THANK customers for their business

            The G.U.E.S.T program was a good tool but not effective until the introduction of “TRI MASTER III” and the training of all the employees. There was also a deadline in place by the company to have everyone trained and ready to go. The introduction of the customer service tool, “TRI MASTER III” helped improve the mystery shop results greatly and there was good feedback from all employees.

Joe Wolemonwu
http://www.articlesbase.com/customer-service-articles/improvement-of-customer-service-in-retail-businesses-653850.html

            One of the major reasons businesses fail today is due to poor customer service. When a retail business is born, its main objective is to gain and build a strong customer base. Many businesses today are successful because of this strong customer base. Businesses advertise on radio, television and newspapers all the time. Huge budgets are spent on commercials. It is not the advertising on television or in newspapers that will retain the customer. It is the ability of management and its staff to retain those customers   that will contribute to the success of the business. A bad taste or feeling left with a customer at any time would leave a lasting impression. Therefore, the business must always provide excellent customer service, no matter the situation. It is always important to leave a good impression with your customers.  The old adage is correct:  The customer is always right!

           The impact of customer service is especially noticeable at the front counter. This is the first place a customer goes to make an inquiry and where the customer checks out.  It is the last place they go before leaving the retail store. It is said “the first impression is usually the last impression.”

A study was done in June, 2000 by Bain & Company, Mainspring with over 2000 customers in three retail segments: apparel, groceries, and consumer electronic/ appliances. It showed that 10 percent of customers would rather shop online because they believe they would get better and faster service just with the interaction on the internet… no telephone conversation, no long queues at the retail stores.

 The study cites that a 20 percent increase in customer satisfaction generates a 5 percent increase in customer loyalty and a 20 percent increase in profits. Bain and Mainspring found that the level and quality of customer support was the top-ranked factor driving repeat purchases by customers.

“Companies that are able to maintain their loyal customers and keep them there with a superior value proposition have a huge built-in advantage over pure plays” said Darrell Rigby, director at Bain & Company. “They need to focus on getting the basics right: superior service leads to satisfied customers; satisfied customers lead to referrals and referrals are the most effective way to build an unmatchable customer base.”  The study that was conducted by Bain & Company highlights the following as a way of improving on poor customer service:

• Identify your best customer segment and understand their needs precisely.  It is important to note that not all customers are profitable. Hence, tailor your offer to your best customers. Make sure to understand what your best customers really need and why they are no longer customers.

• Use available technology to improve customer service and management cost: A self served checkout area could help to enhance the service offering to customers, reduce long lines on the checkout areas while keeping costs down. Customers can check-out on their own without waiting for store employees to ring up the sales and finish the transaction ;thus, reducing overhead in the store. (www.retailindustry.)

• Tackle company traditions that threaten implementation of service initiative.Some retail businesses have ingrained behaviors and attitudes that hinder delivering superior customer service. Implementing new ideas focused on the customer may be difficult until those old beliefs are buried. Appointing a customer service champion at the board level can help infuse new thinking into the company. Linking rewards to service measures can create some momentum behind the implementation.(www.retailindustry.com)

• Retail businesses need to train, train and re-train employees on the best methods of treating customers. It is important to note that when someone walks into a store that there is potential for making money. The employees should try and see how best to help the customer.

                                      Delivering Fast and Friendly Service

           Exxon Mobil is an industry leader in each of its core businesses and has an unmatched array of proprietary technologies aimed at increasing the productivity of its assets and employees. The company conducts business in almost 200 countries and territories around the globe.  It has established a new definition for world-class scale and efficiency in the fuel marketing business.

            There are ways in which a retail business is able to improve its poor customer service.  The study that follows is research on Exxon Mobil store #26885.  Methods were discovered in how the company was able to improve its customer service.

            Exxon Mobil Company operated Retail Store in 2007 and rolled out its tool called the “TRI MASTER III” (Fast and Friendly Service). This tool addresses the issue of customer service starting with the frontline employees who face these customers every day. To help bring this information to the store, the company required all the managers and district managers to undergo the same training. They will in turn train the sales team members to be effective in delivering quality customer service. They were trained in all aspects of customer service. It ranged from the image of the location, clean and attractive facilities, neatly kept uniforms expected from the employees and quality fresh food   available from the location.

            The tool pointed out 6-steps to customer’s satisfaction which are as follows:

1. Make the Customer Feel Welcome
2. Be Energetic and Helpful
3. Acknowledge Customers in Line
4. Provide Fast Transactions
5. Close the Sale Accurately
6. Thank the customer.

Prior to rolling out the “TRI MASTER III” program, the company had another customer service program G.U.E.S.T:

         G – GREET customers with a hello and offer to help.

         U – UNDERSTAND if customers voice a concern or need

         E – EYE CONTACT when listening or speaking to customers

         S – SMILE whenever customers see you

         T- THANK customers for their business

            The G.U.E.S.T program was a good tool but not effective until the introduction of “TRI MASTER III” and the training of all the employees. There was also a deadline in place by the company to have everyone trained and ready to go. The introduction of the customer service tool, “TRI MASTER III” helped improve the mystery shop results greatly and there was good feedback from all employees.

Joe Wolemonwu
http://www.articlesbase.com/customer-service-articles/improvement-of-customer-service-in-retail-businesses-653850.html

Retail outlets are increasing by the day and their profits getting more than double. It is always easier to buy everything one need from one destination than go around the entire town picking up one article and another. Since retailers have emerged so quickly in this market that their systems of operation sometimes go haywire. Their accounts to their estimation of needs have to be assessed thoroughly to survive in this competitive industry.

The retail sector has seen a humongous growth and a growth so fast that sometimes the owners don’t know what measures to take to maximize the operations or take full advantage of them leading to their failure. One of the departments that need to be looked at while talking about retailers is their accounting problems. The retails don’t pay enough detail towards that and therefore lose their touch in the market. You might think how simple accounting process would fail a business. Well there are a lot of reason and are discussed below.

The retail accounting is important because that accounts show the retailer business to the government and investors, deciding the taxes and profitability. Proper maintenance of accounts is vital as the retailers have so many products and inventory that it is difficult to value and keep track of all of them. The changes in inventory on a daily basis make the system strong else it would be subject to a lot of theft. The retail outlets are generally very crowded and this makes them prone to robbery through customers and staff equally.

A recent trend in retail accounting points towards methods of maintaining accounts through software with latest technology, upgraded to the retailers business needs. This helps him maintain a more clear check on his overall inventory and business. There are lots of software available in the market like Peachtree, Small business manager, QuickBooks online. This software proves useful not only for small player but the big fishes as well. This software process the data that the retailers input then make statistics out of it and keep a virtual record with ease. These statistics would in turn help the retailers to make smart business decisions.

Another recent trend in retail accounting is getting the accounts updated by a vendor. The are several advantages of this; the retailer wont have to go through the time consuming task of employing professionals to take care of the retail accounting. The vendors will, with a fee process the accounts of the retailer with professional help of the accountants. This is particularly helpful for small time business as they cannot afford to employ professional accountants for their small time accounting needs.

Keeping track of the inventory makes the retailer aware of the sales and the time to order new inventory; the creditors and debtors records show the retailer what he should do next and the sector wise break up of sales would make the retailer decide which departments should be enlarged and which should be shut down. Retail accounting achieves all of this and more making it a necessity for a healthy business.

Alvis Brazma
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/retail-accounting-trends-and-norms-in-the-market-685441.html