In our efforts to run an excellent Christian bookstore we have found it's important to pay attention to items that have nothing to do with books, music or gifts. Consider these questions we frequently are asked:

- "Do you have anything for a headache?"

- "I'm here for a baptism, and I left my camera at home. Do you have any disposables?"

- "I brought my camera for the baby dedication (or wedding), but the batteries are dead. Do you have any AAs?"

On the surface, it may be easy to dismiss such small and seemingly insignificant requests. But, rather than viewing such inquiries as a distraction or an interruption, we have learned to view them as another opportunity to deliver excellent customer service.

These kinds of "customer convenience" items are another way we can minister to our visitors by showing that we care for all their needs. From the feedback we receive, we know that carrying these items makes some customers' days-and may prompt them to think of us when they have a need for some other resources in the future.

If you decide to carry a range of convenience items, too, you'll need to bear a few things in mind. Items like batteries and aspirin aren't readily available through any of our usual Christian products industry suppliers, of course, so you will need to have a game plan for acquiring them and pricing them.

Sandy McGill is former manager of The Living Word Bookstore at Southeast Christian Church in Louisville, Ky.

Read the complete article at http://www.thechurchbookstore.com/a.php?ArticleID=14056

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