Devoted to customer service and the principles of exceptional customer services

That first sentence is probably the most important sentence you will say to a customer.  When I first started in retail, my idea of greeting a customer was folding my arms and completely ignoring them.  No joke!  I had no clue :)

But, oh yes, my manager whipped me into shape quick!  Now I'm proud to say that I am the Greeting Queen...

Greeting a customer is important for a couple reasons:

 1) You get a feel for what type of customer you will be dealing   with.  The customer who doesn't answer your greeting is probably the type of person who really doesn't want to be bothered.  I used to take it personal when a customer ignored me when I asked them, "How are you today?"  I would ask the question louder and louder and then realized that they weren't deaf - they just had a fear of salespeople in general.

 2) The customer knows that you know that they are in the store.  This is more for security reasons.  Thieves are less likely to steal if you greet and acknowledge them. 

 3) You communicate to the customer that you care about helping them. 

So, how do you greet a customer who walks into a store?  Well, you could use the standard, "Hi, how are you today?" or simply, "Hi!"  followed with, "Have you ever shopped in our store?"  If not, you could give them a quick tour.  If so, you could tell them of products that just came in.  Then I proceed to, "If you need any help, let me know. My name is Maria..." 

However, the greeting is not really what you say - it's how you say it.  It's the energy behind the words that is crucial.  Greet that customer with enthusiasm!!