“A satisfied customer is the best business strategy of all.” – Michael LeBoeuf
In business relationships, trust stands as the foundation. Without it, even the most luxurious products or innovative services can fall flat. One strategy that cements this trust is risk reversal. It’s about shifting the balance of risk from the customer to the business, assuring customers that their leap of faith is safe and secure.
Let’s take the bed-in-a-box industry as an example. Not long ago, the idea of purchasing a mattress online without physically testing it would have seemed absurd. Companies like Casper changed the narrative. By offering a 100-night trial with a money-back guarantee, they removed the risk from the customer. You don’t need to worry anymore about buying the wrong mattress; the company bears the risk. This strategy not only revolutionized the mattress industry, but also paved the way for numerous other sectors to embrace similar risk-reversal tactics.
At its core, risk reversal is a loud and clear message: “We believe in our product so much that we’re willing to bear the risk”. It’s a testament to the quality, reliability, and confidence of what’s being offered. Moreover, it helps to alleviate any uncertainties or hesitations a potential customer might have about your product/service.
Zappos took this concept to heart, offering a 365-day return policy and free shipping both ways. This approach dismantled the barriers of online shoe shopping, where fit and comfort are critical. Customers felt empowered, knowing that if the shoe didn’t fit (literally and metaphorically), they weren’t stuck with it.
Action Step: Reflect on your offers. Where can you minimize or eliminate perceived risks for your customers? Maybe it’s a more transparent return policy, extended warranties, money-back guarantee, or a trial period. Remember, it’s less about incurring losses from returns and more about boosting sales from increased trust and reduced purchase hesitations.
The idea is simple: When customers feel secure, they engage more, buy more, and become brand advocates. By embracing risk reversal, you’re not just making a sale; you’re establishing a bond of trust that can last a lifetime.
To learn more about risk reversal, and ways to apply it to your business, be sure to check out our book of the week: “$100M Offers” by Alex Hormozi.