By Jason Lewiston
If you hope to have a thriving business, following basic standards of ethical behavior is the best way to do it. To be sure, adopting basic business ethics guidelines, and always living up to them, is the best way to attract customers and keep them coming back.
Returns and Refunds
A very basic business ethic is to give refunds on products and services. If you are selling a product or service you should be prepared to give people who are not satisfied their money back.
It is simply unethical to sell a product or service and not provide refunds or returns. Yet many companies and individuals do. If you actually have faith in your product and its ability to satisfy the customer's needs you should have no problem offering a refund.
If there are circumstances that make it impossible or difficult to give refunds in your business you should come right out and say so. Post a clear refund policy where your customers can see it. If you can't provide a cash refund then try to find an alternative you can offer.
Don't Make False Claims
Never make a claim about your product or service you can't verify. Making false claims is definitely unethical and in sometimes it can constitute fraud which is a crime. Always read advertising copy and sales pitches carefully and remove any unsubstantiated claims.
Being honest with your customers will always be a better policy than lying to them. Never make a false claim and avoid making statements or claims that can be easily misconstrued.
Live Up to Your Word
Always do your best to live up to your word in business. If you promise something to a customer then always try to deliver it. For example if you promise lifetime service or a return and somebody brings in something you sold five years ago give them an exchange or a refund.
If a misprint in a newspaper ad puts the wrong price on a product sell the product for that price if it is possible. It will show customers that you keep your word and earn good will.
Finally, never make a customer a promise that you can not keep. If you know you will be unwilling or unable to keep a promise don't make the promise.
Returns and Refunds
A very basic business ethic is to give refunds on products and services. If you are selling a product or service you should be prepared to give people who are not satisfied their money back.
It is simply unethical to sell a product or service and not provide refunds or returns. Yet many companies and individuals do. If you actually have faith in your product and its ability to satisfy the customer's needs you should have no problem offering a refund.
If there are circumstances that make it impossible or difficult to give refunds in your business you should come right out and say so. Post a clear refund policy where your customers can see it. If you can't provide a cash refund then try to find an alternative you can offer.
Don't Make False Claims
Never make a claim about your product or service you can't verify. Making false claims is definitely unethical and in sometimes it can constitute fraud which is a crime. Always read advertising copy and sales pitches carefully and remove any unsubstantiated claims.
Being honest with your customers will always be a better policy than lying to them. Never make a false claim and avoid making statements or claims that can be easily misconstrued.
Live Up to Your Word
Always do your best to live up to your word in business. If you promise something to a customer then always try to deliver it. For example if you promise lifetime service or a return and somebody brings in something you sold five years ago give them an exchange or a refund.
If a misprint in a newspaper ad puts the wrong price on a product sell the product for that price if it is possible. It will show customers that you keep your word and earn good will.
Finally, never make a customer a promise that you can not keep. If you know you will be unwilling or unable to keep a promise don't make the promise.
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