Are you losing customers, sales and finding it difficult to get new ones in your sewing business? I know exactly how you’re feeling because I have been there before.
I remember that feeling of having the bills to pay, other expenses to make every month and not making enough money from my sewing business in other to settle them.
Although my reliance on proceeds from the sewing business was not total because there was a regular source of income from practicing as a nurse hence I could sort my expenses but then of what use is a business without profits and the resources for sustainability.
If you’re having this type of experience, reading this will show you the things you are probably doing wrong and helps to put them right thereby helping you build a strong customer base and good turnover.
Can you run your business productively without customers who are willing to come back and patronize again and over again? Capital NO. It means you need more paying customers so that you can be generating more income and consistently so.
So why aren’t you getting new customers but rather loosing the existing ones? Why is your shop always open and no one is knocking on your door? Something is definitely not right.
Here are 4 possible reasons why you’re losing your customers and not getting new ones.
1. Does your business lack clarity?
One of the mistakes so many people make is going too broad. They failed to be specific in their niche. They believe they can do everything and don’t want to limit themselves to just a few audiences
If this sounds like you, you need to be clear of what exactly your business is, what you do, who you help and how you help them.
I do not believe that you should limit yourself to the least, No, but you have to be specific and let people know your area of expertise.
When I started my sewing business back then, I had my hands on a couple of ventures ranging from making bags, shoes and other accessories from (African print fabric) to bead making, school uniforms, children and women’s wear. did I mention, I was also into selling fabrics endless..hahaha.
I was good at what I do and I was confident. But then the patronage for beads, shoes and accessories making was dropping and near a standstill not moving at all. I ended up with most of them for my personal use.
Sometimes my customers would buy these accessories as extras after sewing from me. It was then I learnt about the niche market therefore, I narrowed down and focus more on women’s and children’s wear.
In no time I became more proficient in this area because it is what I do so often and I had enough time to research and practice more.
And guess what happened after a while, my customers and revenue surged. Presently when I make accessories they are only for personal or family’s use as this is no longer my focus.
What are we trying to say here? You need to focus your market on one specific group of people that you can get the best results for and go deep with them.
When you’re known as an expert in that area, people will show you more respect, you’ll grow your customer base and get paid for your effort and expertise more than those who dab into every niche.
Let’s end this step with this example. If you’re a bride to be, and you have two options of where to make your wedding gown and accessories:
Option one: Make your dress from someone who specialises in bridal wears
Option two: Someone who sew all kinds of clothes like the female, children, male’s clothes and sew bridal wears once in a while.
Be sincere, who would you choose?
You definitely won’t mind paying extra quids to the expert, because you know looking fabulous on your big day cant be bargained.
In summary, choose a specific niche market. When you do that, not only will you be an expert in your niche, but you will you also start to attract more of the right customer.
2. Lack of good customer services
Poor customer service will impact negatively in a variety of ways.
If the level of your customer support is poor, it will lead to you losing both existing and potential customers leaving the business with a bad reputation.
And what will be the outcome of this? Loss of profit because you’ll be left with few customers which mean lower sales and low income for your business.
How would you know your business lacks good customer services?
- If you are not prompt to respond to your customers’ requests, orders and queries.
- Not treating your customers with respect and courtesy.
- Poor feedback from customers.
- When you are not detailed enough in response to customers queries.
- Not being appreciative of customers.
The list is endless but these are just a few things that business owners should put to heart when relating with customers.
Remember it is a privilege that you were chosen by them to transact business with. So you need to work on these areas and establish a great customer service that secures and build a long-lasting relationship with your customers.
In some part of the world, many Fashion designers are known for disappointing their customers by not keeping to collection or delivery schedule as agreed, try at all cost not to join such bandwagon.
3. You are charging too low or high
One of the most important decisions to make in business is right pricing you charge for your product or service. The truth is that setting a price too low or too high will limit your business growth.
You need to set your price right based on the principle of fairness and just. Never forget that someone somewhere is planning to pinch your customers if given the opportunity.
I’m not suggesting you should be quoted low, No, your price must be commensurate to the job well done.
Don’t compare your price to what your competitors are charging. Are you offering the same value? Are you an expert in your niche? Are you dealing with the same set of customers? So many questions to ask.
If you answered yes to any of the above, then the outlined points below would be of great help:
- Give a discount once in a while
- Do skimming if your product is unique and can’t be found anywhere in the market. This means you set your price high (not too high though)
- You can introduce a new product often and reduce prices on the older one.
4. Your market reach or visibility is poor
Do you know you can have the best products, have good customer service and be good at what you do and still no one knows about you? It’s crazy, right? Isn’t it?
There is nothing more frustrating and discouraging than this, well I can relate because I have been there.
So what can you do now?
I used to be a very shy person, although I like taking risks at the same time I fear a lot. Fear of ”unknown” ”failing“ ”being turned
down by people” any fear you can ever imagine. But when I decided that I was
going to make this business work and no one can help me than me, I let go of my
fears and discouragement.
I made some decisions that I wouldn’t have made but for the sake of my business, I want my business to be successful and am grateful I did today.
You need to let go and as fast as possible so you can reach your target audience.
You need to start promoting yourself and move out of that comfort zone because no one can do it better than you.
Don’t be disappointed if your best friend or people you rely on do not help you as expected. I was in that shoe before, I was looking on to some people to market for me.
So what am trying to say in essence is that, you need to reach out to your audience and be more visible. Don’t stay hidden. You knew Donlarrie Couture today because I made my self visible with the help of God.
You need to come out too so that the world can know you.
Reach out to people on different social media.
Study a few people in your niche that are doing well and see how they are doing it.
Don’t be too shy to ask questions.
Ask for advice if you need one, there are still good people out there that made themselves available to help others.
These are the four possible reasons why many businesses owners lose customers or not making new ones that have put together. If you have any other reasons, kindly share it below.
I hope you find this post helpful, please share it?
I wish you success in your business.
Looking forward to seeing you soon 😊