Nothin’ says lovin’ like something….
from the oven? Nah. Nothing says loving, in the retail world, like a little something extra. This is an area where consignment, buy-outright, and even thrift shops can outshine their “real store” competitors.
A little gift. A present. An unexpected bonus. A little lagniappe.
Consignor wants to pick up her unsold Uggs but ugh, she’s got a cold? Drop them off at her house, or at the very least, put them securely aside for her so she can pick them up when she’s feeling better.
It’s the cheapest form of advertising you can do. That piece of jewelry or bow-tied box of votive candles that cost you less than a dollar is
even cheaper than your latest “free” post on Facebook.
Because that little comp earns you a fan, a devoted word-of-mouther about your business. Who’ll spend the word in her way. (And, incidentally, giving something away…gives you something to FB, tweet, talk about. We were thrilled to be able to complete a teen’s prom outfit by loaning her a great evening wrap…after all, it’ll be COLD next Friday night. Happy prom, Marisol!!)
Chart the success of your business by how much you give away every week. Whether it’s a plate of brownie bites you baked yourself or the loan of a piece of baby gear for a customer with visiting grand-nephew, every “comp” you create creates new goodwill for your business.
Don’t be shy, either, by writing, blogging, photographing it.
“Sometimes we have chocolate!” or “Millie and Fred were excited about the visit of the great-nephew Otto this week” make great personable, “insider” messages on your web site or blog, as well as on Facebook and/or Twitter. Sometimes, your comps might even be news-worthy: did you provide all 32 glass vases for the centerpieces at the big charity ball (see, those cheapy vases people always bring in, DID have a useful function!) ?
So go ahead: Comp it. It’s worth it.
Anyone care to tell us some great comp-ing stories from their consignment, resale, thrift shop?
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
A regular came in last week to buy an outfit for his uncle – for a funeral. When he wasn’t sure what size he needed, I loaned him two sets of clothes. He brought them back within two days and said that he told everyone at the funeral what I had done for them. A few months back I gave a customer a pair of earrings for her mother who had just died (for the casket). Honestly it is impossible to charge someone knowing what the item is intended for. Both customers are regulars and I’m certain they have told others about my store. And it makes me feel good, knowing I didn’t try to make a dollar on their grief.
Sending you a pic of a comp I use daily. Don’t know how to attach a photo here.
One of my son’s classmates LOVE to paint…she recently painted the window of my shop for “Escape to the Islands” and refused payment so instead I comped her with a Mocha from our favorite coffee shop and shirt she fell in love with. Total cost to me for a fantastic window was under $8.
Another classmate LOVES to hang out at Armanista, by doing so she helps out to pass time. IN return she receives discounts on merchandise…within the 1 year of being i business and her 9 months helping, I am confident that all shoppers 11-13 are from her referral 🙂