Tip of the week: Keep customer information private and only collect what you need
Customers trust you with their names, phone numbers and addresses. Treat this information with care. Leaks can cause harassment, fraud and loss of trust.
Collect only what you need for the service. A phone number for delivery is reasonable. Unneeded personal details are not.
Protect what you keep:
- Store lists in password-protected files or apps
- Do not post customers' details, orders or messages publicly without permission
- Do not share your customer list with other businesses
- Delete old records you no longer need
- Do not leave notebooks with customer data lying around
Ask permission before sending marketing messages and honour requests to stop.
A salon in Dodoma that keeps client details in a locked drawer and a protected phone shows professionalism.
Be aware that laws about personal data may apply to your business. Ask the relevant authority or a legal adviser about current requirements.
Explain to your helpers why privacy matters and what they must not do.
This week: review where you keep customer details and secure any that are exposed.