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Are Product Returns Signaling Bad Money Karma?
June 16th, 2009 by Kendall
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A lot of spiritually oriented coaches, consultants and healers struggle with how to handle some of the messier money situations that often crop up in their businesses.
Situations such as how to handle refunds, product returns, guarantees or late payments can cause stress and eat up a lot of your precious energy, trying to figure out what to do.
Since my business model includes offering multiple streams of income and a fairly high sales volume I had to learn the hard way how to handle many of these uncomfortable situations.
Beyond just the mechanics of knowing what to do, you must also understand what the energy is BEHIND each of these situations. Once I figured that out, I was able to let go of any distress and instead, take an approach that keeps my energy and vibration high, positive and stress-free.
Since it’s likely that you too, will be faced with one of these situations, let me share with you three simple secrets that will help you keep your energy “clean” while still handling each situation like the savvy business woman I know you are!
Tip #1 Honor Your Own Purchase Decisions
Sure, we all get swept up into the excitement of making a purchase at an event or online, only to regret it later. But is that a good reason to return the product or ask for a refund? Sorry gals, the answer is no.
Typically, the decision to request a refund is often made because fear sets in. Investing in a program or product means you desire making a leap forward but there’s a part of you that’s scared you-know-what. That’s the part that’s telling you to get out of the purchase, fast.
But if you cave in to that domineering, fear part of your brain, you’re not only playing small you’re also not honoring a commitment you made to the person who produced the product or service you originally purchased.
Instead of asking for a refund, ask yourself what support you need to be successful implementing what you invested in!
Tip #2 Don’t Take A Refund Request Or Product Return Personally
Hey, I know you poured your heart into making your product or service, so it’s natural to say, “Ouch” when someone returns it. But the truth is, their decision has nothing to do with you! I look at it as a signal of where they are in their own personal development path.
Which leads me to…
Tip #3 Stay Focused On The Highest And Greatest Good Of Your Client
I admit, I used to grumble when a client wanted to bale out of a program or return a product. Now I look at it as an opportunity for a breakthrough for them. By taking this perspective I’m able to stay resourceful and focused on helping them make a wise decision.
Since very often, their initial decision is based on fear or doubt, all your client needs is a bit of coaching to see how quitting or returning something will just keep them stuck where they are. Reminding them that how they do one thing is how they do everything will often help them step into a powerful place…and save the sale.
Returns Are A Part Of Business — How You Handle Them Is A Part Of Your Spiritual Business Plan
Remember that money is energy and energy loves clarity. So if you look at how you handle these messy money situations as an opportunity to create boundaries and straight-forward communication with your clients, you’ll find that not only do YOU grow in your strength, confidence and clarity, but your business grows as well!
Posted in Money and Mindset • • Subscribe to this feed
Tags: money, money mindset, women entrepreneurs
I will admit, I have requested refunds several times. I didn’t used to. As a result, I have multiple dozens of products on my book shelves and on my computer that did not deliver what they promised.
I decided a year or so ago, that I would not continue to keep products that do not meet my needs. There is a LOT of crap out there. I’ve also learned to be very careful about who I purchase things from. Even people who are recommended by the ‘gurus’ don’t necessarily have a quality product.
I believe it’s also entirely possible that my product won’t meet the needs of everyone who purchases it. Even though I think it’s very high quality and excellent value.
You are right - it’s something I have to accept. I can’t please every one. They may be in a different place than I have anticipated.
I’m being very careful about the claims I make and the promises I make.
Comment by Ruby — June 16, 2009 @ 9:21 pm
I recently caught myself looking at a product I purchased seven months ago and grumbling that I should not have bought it. Then I realized that my mastermind group is urging me to take a step into the unknown - helping other business owners - in large part because of what I learned from listening to the audio portions over and over again. I really “get” the material, and what’s been keeping me stuck is my inability to allow myself to turn around and integrate it into my teachings.
Thanks for the reminder - I love that quote, “How you do one thing is how you do everything.” That makes me feel less bad about taking time out of my day to organize my shoe closet!
Comment by Sukie — June 16, 2009 @ 11:06 pm
As usual, you’re right on the money (pun intended - cha!).
I learned tip #1 the hard way. When I was filling my first group coaching program this year, an offer for a home study course came my way. I, too, am VERY careful about what I choose to invest in right now (for all kinds of reasons), AND I knew it was a no-brainer, so I happily purchased it…
And then the fear set in.
I churned for a few hours and even thought, “Should I ask for a return?” And then I realized, “Oh my Goddess, if I don’t stop this line of thinking right NOW, someone is going to drop out of my coaching program.”
I snapped out of it, but it was too late. As if on cue… poof. The next day, one of my potential clients bailed.
Let’s just say that will never happen again.
Comment by Elizabeth Genco Purvis — June 17, 2009 @ 4:38 am
This is just so relevant for me right now. The Universe works in subtle (and not so subtle!) ways and I was directed to this site.
I am being challenged to change the business model I have been working with for the past 15 years. I have always had great ingenuity in developing my products but I have had the same mindset all along. Now I have been dragged out of my comfort zone and stand naked (good job this isn’t video) before you!
My motivation is to help people - and I’m good at it - but I have such fear and confusion going on right at the moment, and part of that fear is still connected with a group I held over a year ago where some of them were dissatisfied and one demanded her money back. The only time it’s ever happened. I know it was because of where those people were in their own lives but it was a huge shock to me. I’m grateful to the rest of you for sharing your thoughts on this type of subject. It’s good to find people who merge spirituality and business.
Comment by Caroline Putus — June 17, 2009 @ 5:59 am
Thanks, Kendall. An excellent reminder about how our own money behaviors influence what comes our way from clients and customers. Yes, their decisions are all about them, and yet how we think/feel/behave affects what determines “how” it shows up for us (in other words, how we deal with it).
I’m hoping my new business model will actually help customers do LESS returning! By summarizing other people’s material (with permission, of course), people will have an even better feel for what they are getting, so there will be fewer cracks for the doubt to seep through.
Nina!
Comment by Nina East — June 17, 2009 @ 6:55 am
Beautiful post and I agree with number 1 totally. I believe very much in the principle of “what you sow you shall reap” so I try to stay in integrity at all times in my own business dealings and be fair about things so that MY clients, in turn, will also display the same behaviour toward me.
Thanks for the reminders!
Comment by Marcia Francois — June 17, 2009 @ 7:35 am
One day several marketers in Dan Kennedy’s mastermind group asked my buddy what his return rate was on his product. When he proudly told them that it was below 3%, they surprised him by saying, “That is terrible! That means that your guarantee is not strong enough to persuade all the fence-sitters to try your program!” Many studies show that when you get higher returns (around 10%) you are still selling many more products over-all. So, even though it doesn’t seem like fun, the fact is that many people only purchased because of the guarantee, and many more probably kept the item than returned it, so you’re still ahead.
Part of the cost of doing business. Nothing personal at all.
Comment by Gina Parris — June 17, 2009 @ 11:08 am
Asking for your money back is perfectly acceptable if the product or service in question is not good quality,not as represented,etc. I agree that you shouldn’t do this because of your own fears or change of mind once you have bought something.
So many internet marketers have offers that use scarcity such as limited time only, only so many copies available, or a bonus only to first so many people that many times things are purchased due to that urgency which would not have been had there been an extra few days to think through a purchase.
Many offers now have added with your purchase a free trial to a monthly ongoing charge to your credit card. There is nothing wrong in sampling the free trial and canceling if it isn’t a good fit for you, or not in your budget for some reason.
Integrity works both ways! The consumer and marketer should both use ethical practices. Guarantees are there for a reason. Those who return things regularly for no good reason are going to suffer bad karma for it somehow eventually, as are businesses who are pushy,low quality, or unethical.
Learning to let go and not take things personally when you get a return is something that every marketer needs to learn how to do if they ever want to be successful. I do think that it is important to note that if your return rate is high you should discover the main reason or reasons why. That way you can improve your product. Paying attention to your customers needs and concerns is vital to a thriving business. Unsatisfied customers tell a lot more people about their experience than do satisfied ones.
Comment by Beth — June 17, 2009 @ 11:45 am
Very nice articles and thought provoking comments. I agree with Beth one hundred percent. Thanks
Comment by Lalitha — July 1, 2009 @ 8:42 pm