As prices rise, people who run businesses and buy from businesses are becoming more concerned.

As gas and food prices go up, and the amount of stuff you can buy with a dollar goes down, people are cutting back on things like travel. And that's making it tougher for businesses to bring in customers. 

DeeDee Raap is a motivational speaker and business consultant. She specializes in improving company morale and marketing, " Research shows that people really care about the experience. We don't just buy things we buy the experience.  They're coming back here, they're coming back for the same trip again this year but this year it's going to cost more."

A combination of high prices and high travel costs mean consumers are making more of an effort to get to the business, and Raap says when the customer pays more they expect more. That's why she's promoting customer service as a way to reel in the consumer this year. 

Raap says, "If I had a great experience at your business, I'm likely to tell others, come back and buy more.
Which is why a smile and a thank you can go a long way. 

Rapp says that offering traveling customers other activities while in town that are free like the falls, is another step in customer service.

By doing so you are inviting them to stay in the community for an afternoon and leave with positive feelings and a fuller wallet... in hopes they will return despite the cost.

Rapp also says it's important your employees are happy as well, if they aren't they likely won't provide the customer service most consumers are looking for.