It is natural for us to return a favor. The same goes in business. When we get a freebie, we would usually return the favor by purchasing another item from the said business. This is a fact that is not lost on many business owners, who dangle a lot of freebies to their customers knowing that their customers would reciprocate the favor by buying more items from their business.

For instance, if you give a sample of your chocolate cake to your first 5 customers, then there’s a good chance that they will buy another box or two as an expression of gratitude to your good will. Of course you should make sure that your product is good enough to be bought. But if it is that good, and you give away free items to your customers, then you would be assured that your clients will buy more chocolate cakes from you.

The multiplying effect comes when your satisfied customers promote your products to their friends, acquaintances and relatives. This word of mouth advertising is more powerful than advertising or any kind of promotion.

For example I once offered to take pictures of a family. To surprise them I gave away a couple of prints to them for free. They were obviously flattered by the gesture, and since they were impressed with the quality of pictures I took, they immediately ordered more copies. And they paid for it! My photography business experienced good sales with that simple gesture.

Next time, don’t hesitate to give freebies to your customers. While this could entail a few expenses on your part, consider how much you are getting in return. The benefits are usually for the long term. It will not just double your sales, but make your customers more loyal to your business.