What is customer loyalty? I asked a number of business people the simple question, “What is customer loyalty?” The answers were mostly similar. Most agree that customer loyalty means the customer will come back again and again.

However, what customer loyalty doesn’t always mean is that the customer is loyal to you and only you. In other words, they may do business with you but are also or still doing business with your competitors.

The concept of “wallet share” came to mind.  I’ve been talking (and writing) about the concept of “wallet share” versus “market share” for many years.  Quick explanation: The concept of market share depends on how many customers that can buy your product actually buy it.  For example, if there are 100 customers in a given area that could buy your product, and 60 of them buy it, then you have a 60% market share.

Wallet share takes the concept of market share to another level.  Of those 60 people who buy from you, how many of them will still buy from someone else?  If they only buy from you, you have 100% of their “wallet share.”  If they split their loyalty between you and someone else, you only have 50% “wallet share.”

At the highest level of loyalty, your customer only buys from you.  In other words, they give you 100% wallet share.

Customer loyalty has two tiers:

1.      The first is that the customer is a repeat customer.

2.      The second is a repeat customer that doesn’t do business with your competitors – just you.

This is where my Amazement Revolution strategy of “partnership” kicks in.  You want a relationship that is so strong that the customer wouldn’t think of doing business with your competitors.

I compiled a quick “Top Ten” list of simple ideas to help you get to the level of partnership and 100% wallet share.  Realize that these are common sense expectations that are easy to do – and unfortunately, easy not to do if you don’t stay customer focused.

1.      Deliver great customer service.  It’s expected.

2.      Always do what you say you will do.

3.      Don’t be late.

4.      Don’t make excuses or blame others – be accountable.

5.      Help solve their problems.

6.      If you ever catch a problem, you call them before they call you.

7.      Trust them if you want them to trust you.

8.      Be accessible and easy to reach.

9.      Return phone calls, emails and social media comments quickly.

10.     Create confidence.  (Do all of the above and you will have a good start.)

So maybe the goal shouldn’t just be to obtain customer loyalty.  It should be 100% customer loyalty.

(A few years ago, I wrote an article titled “The Gap,” which addressed the concept of wallet share.) Shep Hyken is a customer service/CX expert, award-winning keynote speaker, and New York Times bestselling author. Learn more about Shep’s customer service and customer experience keynote speeches and his customer service training workshops at www.Hyken.com. Connect with Shep on LinkedIn.

(Copyright ©MMXI, Shep Hyken)