In this months edition of our print magazine, eBiz Insider, my column talks about customer service. The more I go through life, the more I realize that good customer service is becoming harder and harder to find. My article mentions a favorite online store - Zappos.com - that I buy from at least once a week. (Seems I have a fascination with brightly colored shoes and their selection of bling satisfies my craving.) I shop there for the selection, but I come back because of their free shipping, amazing return policy and friendly, knowledgeable people on the other end of the phone should I have a question.

One of the biggest attractions is their ability to recognize and take care of good customers - those who come back week after week and whip out the Amex. When I place my order, I almost immediately get an email from one of their CSRs telling me that they have upgraded my shipping to Next Day Air at no charge! Whoa Baby, you’ve got me for life now.

With the holiday’s right around the corner, ask yourself “What do I do for my customers?” Make a list, check it twice and get ready to “wow” those shoppers when they come to your store to do their gift buying. You only get one shot at making a good impression, don’t mess it up.