When I worked at Nordstrom, one of the most common complaints from customers was that they weren’t acknowledged during busy times. At that time I was thinking, “Well, yes, we’re busy so we can’t acknowledge everybody!” Sound familiar?
Well, in retrospect I think that it could have been possible to make sure every customer was greeted. After all, there was about ten salespeople on the floor during sales. It wasn’t like we were all just standing around. We were constantly on the move going back and forth to the backroom to get shoes.
So, what can you do to make sure that every customer is acknowledged? Here are five tips for those of you who work in retail settings:
- Be more aware of your surroundings - If you’re like me sometimes you can get tunnel vision when you’re working with a customer. Stop for a moment and take a look around once in awhile to see if any new customers have stepped into the department.
- If a new customer has come into your department and is within earshot, excuse yourself from the customer you’re helping and greet the new customer. Say something like, “We’ll be with you in a moment…”
- Do not pass by a customer without saying something! Say “Hi!” or “Are you finding everything OK?” Ask them if someone is helping them already and if not, find someone to help them ASAP!
- Ok, this one is major - it may not seem like it, but trust me, it is! When there are more than 3-4 customers in line waiting to pay, make sure you say, “I can help the next customer in line.” I can’t tell you how many times I assumed that a customer was next and was chewed out by another customer because they were the ones who were actually next in line. FYI: Sometimes customers tend to form their own line. All you veterans know what I’m talking about!
- Slow down! Sometimes we can get caught up in all the energy of a sale. People are frantic and it’s just chaos. Take a deep breath, slow down, and smile! Customers will even take smiles as acknowledgement!
Now it’s your turn…Do you have any tips to share?
P.S. If you liked this post, you may want to check out all the other customer service tips in my archives! Also, subscribe to this blog so you don't miss out on other tips!
P.P.S. Here's a recommended resource: Retail Success!
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