Alternately, you could just say, We regularly mail out specials to our customers. Just fill this out and you'll be the first to know. You can also run a competition, or just go through your invoices. Hints and Tips: 1. Always ask for your customers' details-no exceptions. 2. Offer an incentive and word the request in such a way that they feel they are benefiting from it. 3- If people won't give you their names, don't push it. Rating: 5/5 Give Out Key Rings, etc. This can work well if it's tied in with good service also. People won't give a hoot about your key ring if you've kept them waiting 20 minutes, then overcharged them for a botched job. If, on the other hand, the customers were impressed, the key ring may act as a handy reference when they want to call you again. Remember, the only people likely to get excited by a Jim's Plumbing key ring are Jim, his wife, and his mother. Think about a gift that will be useful and meaningful to your customers. Hints and Tips: 1. Make the gift useful and, if possible, a little different. 2. Use selling words on the gift so people can quickly remember what it is you do three months down the track when they see it. 3- Clearly include all your contact details. Rating: 3/5 Presell or Take Prepayments Why not sell to people while they're in the mood, such as after you've served them in a truly impressive way? You could ask people for a deposit on their next 131