Customers have loved the ease of ordering online, deliveries to their door, and the savings for parking and other transportation costs. And yet … there are loads of ways to remind your customers that, until Smell-o-Vision comes to the Internet, your shop, farmers market, or pop-up store is THE place to savor the flavor and inhale the intoxicating fragrance of a fabulous cup of tea. Below are some suggestions.

Invite them back for a taste, and a discount:

•Text or email an invitation for a special, exclusive tea tasting of your newest arrivals with the caveat that these teas will only be offered in-store for a limited time. This creates a sense of urgency and excitement.

•Choose 1 to 3 teas, and offer two different times for the tasting. If you’re open in the evenings, make one afternoon and one evening event; otherwise make one morning and one afternoon event.

•Whenever possible, offer a discount to everyone who signs up for the tastings.

Make the in-store visit something they cannot do online:

•Invite tea book authors, expert party planners, or hosts for unique tea ceremonies in for a show-and-tell.

•Host artisanal tea tastings, product demonstrations of new kettles or related equipment, and/or tastings of new cookies, cakes, and other afternoon tea desserts.

•Offer cooking demonstrations when possible, showing how to make scones, finger sandwiches, tea-infused candies, or savory dishes.

•Continue or begin using pop-up stores as a vital way to draw new customers.

Reach Out to Promote your Business:

•Cross-market whenever possible with neighboring businesses.

•Give tasting demonstrations to clubs and organizations.

•Give speeches on tea history.

•Share with business groups how you grow your business.

•Bring gifts! Packets of teas are easy-peasy and you can attach them to a flyer or brochure about your tea business.

Reconnect with Existing Customers:

•The Best Customer is an Existing Customer. Stay in touch in as many ways as possible: phone calls, birthday cards with a discount, newsletters, flyers, and social media.

•Ask your customers for referrals! Have printed 3x5 cards available for customers to list the name, email or address of their friends who love tea. Add a line asking for their friends' phone numbers and permission to text them. If able, offer a discount for x number of referrals that shop the store.

•Ask for and keep the contact information on a 3x5 card for every single customer or use an appropriate software app. Use this info to email, snail mail, text, and keep a record of when and what they ordered so you can let them know when fresh arrivals of their favorites come in. Check this list at least every six months.

Listen to Your Customers:

•Compliments. Complaints. Comments. These are all invaluable sources of information on how to attract and keep customers happy and coming back.

•Make it easy for customers to reach you: Put your email, website address, and phone number on everything!

•Get their opinion. Consider an annual survey for regular customers so you can learn their likes and dislikes and act on them.

Use Social Media Wisely:

•Encourage shares and location tagging from your customers.

•Seek local influencers and partner with them for promotions.

•Update your website regularly. Whenever you take photos of displays or events, post them on the site ASAP.

•Take advantage of positive online ratings and review sites and post them on the website and in all relevant social media.

Promote Where You Are:

•Get a sandwich board that is erasable on both sides. Write fun comments about tea and invite walk-ins.

•Freshen window displays regularly. Keep them simple and welcoming by avoiding overcrowding which may cause confusion.

•Nothing new? Print out your favorite testimonials from customers on large 12 x18 placards and paste them inside the windows.

•Take photos for each display change in the sandwich board or window display and post in social media and on your website ASAP.