How you can be a good customer!

So we all know that at times being a good customer can really be difficult.  In fact it is very likely that we learned to be bad customers because of poor customer service.  It seems like a never ending cycle of disrespect and apathy that results in a poor shopping experience.

Types of customers

Some customers are easy to please, they know exactly what they want and are willing to pay for the service or product. Then there are some customers who are uncertain of what they want and often spend hours in the store but leave without purchasing anything.

They might even return to the store several times without making a single purchase.  Then there are the customers who openly disrespect the staff and are boisterous and act with a sense of entitlement.

Of course it is true that customers should be the focus of any business as without them there would be no profit and the entire industry would close down.  Does this mean however that regardless of the situation customers have the right to disrespect staff?

The Golden Rule

A good principle to govern your dealings with staff is to remember to always , ‘Treat others the way you would like to be treated’. This means always greeting them respectfully and ensuring that you clearly state your intentions.

Since I don’t like anyone following me around when I am shopping I usually inform them if they come too close that I prefer to shop alone but that I will call them if I need assistance. It is more so about the ‘how’ we speak as our tone should not reveal any annoyance or irritation.

Another thing to bear in mind is that the staff of the business often have no say in the business decisions of the organization.  Therefore it makes no sense to rant at someone who has very little control over the policies of the company.

Be Calm

When situations do arise from time to time, just remember to be calm.  If you are calm, then you will be able to find a solution quickly and that is much better than losing your cool.

If you are calm and respectful despite challenges that you are experiencing, it is very likely that you will make a good impression on the staff. That would certainly translate into a better overall shopping experience.

So what’s your take? How do you think that you can be a good customer? Drop me a line below!

Teri Ann Renee Paisley
Gleaner online writer