Is it really a deal?

Photo (CC) Mike Cohen, on Flickr

I am sure we all have been asked, “Do you want the meal deal?”

And it doesn’t stop there. Deals surround us. Go for a simple oil change and you might be presented with a package deal that includes a new air filter, tire rotation, and more. Buy a car and get offered an extended warranty or free oil changes for life as a special deal. Last week I even had the opportunity to get free batteries for the life of an electronic device I bought all for a flat, up-front fee.

A place I frequent often offered me this opportunity:

Photo by Glenn Muske

Every time I have such an opportunity, I question, “Is it a REAL deal?”

What is a deal depends on the buyer? I might argue that chips and a pickle doesn’t make a sandwich a deal. Other places I go offer that as the basic order. Upgrading to fries and a drink are the standard upgrade deal. And this same idea holds true no matter what type of business you run. Something doesn’t make it a deal because you, the owner, tell me that. What makes it a deal is if I, as the customer, see it as one. It is much like the idea discussed when developing an effective rewards program.

So the next time you want to offer a deal, check with your customers to see what they might want.

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About Glenn Muske

Glenn Muske is an independent expert on rural small business, working as GM Consulting – Your partner in achieving small business success. He provides consulting, and writes articles for county extension agents and newspapers across North Dakota. Previously, he was the Rural and Agribusiness Enterprise Development Specialist at the North Dakota State University Extension Service – Center for Community Vitality.