How to Treat Customers
I read an article recently in which there was a statement that stuck in my mind. “Businesses should treat customers as if they are a guest in your home” was the statement that got my attention. It caused me to reflect on various ways I treat people who visit my own home, and how that could possibly transfer to a store environment. These are some of the things I came up with:
I greet guests pleasantly at the door when they arrive. Customers should also be greeted pleasantly when they arrive at your store.
I smile at them. What customer likes a grouchy clerk?
I call them by their name and tell them that it’s nice to see them again. Customers like being known as “regulars”
I show them around the place so they can find what they need, now or at a later time. Customers also like to be directed toward the location of the product they came in to buy.
I offer them food and/or drinks. This might not apply to every store, but many specialty stores offer samples of everything from candy to tea.
When they are leaving, I tell them that I hope to see them again soon. Customers who are smiling when they leave will probably return to a store that appreciates their patronage.
Sometimes it’s the little things that make the greatest impact. How are you treating the “guests” in your place of business?