What makes a good Customer?

Twenty years of customer service and retail sales and I still find my customers interesting, fun, entertaining and sometimes a little crazy. Even during the peak times of insanity, I find myself laughing at some of the stuff they say to me. What makes a good customer? One that is engaged and interested in both the product line and me as an individual. I just like everyone else want to be seen for something other than a paid representative of some company. A good customer will smile, and laugh with me, ask questions and make a joke, he or she will engage me in a conversation, not blow me off with “I’m just looking”. Hopefully while the customer is in the store, they will be having fun, laughing at something I have done, said or I’m selling. Too many companies want zombies at the register and mindless drones answering questions. I prefer my sales person to be a little crazy, not in my face, not ignoring me. I want my customers the same way, a little sugar and spice. If my customer is laughing then I have the perfect person in the store, if they are just going to be moody and upsetting they should go away, come back when you’re in a better mood to deal with the extremes of life. A good customer does not always buy, window shopping is still a great pass time, but a fun one will hopefully tell others about my store. If all the crazy people got together, life would be so much more fun. Remember as always to SHOP LOCAL & BE LOCAL! Find us on Facebook , Twitter & Google Plus

Zaria and Bella's is a Physical and Online presence of Gifts and Collectibles of Jim Shore, Snow Babies, Dept 56 and Willow Tree.

 

I think this is a very interesting topic to discuss. Often, you take your customers for granted and probably this is the most common mistake when it comes to losing sales.

If someone can share their own experience from this, that would be more than welcome.

 

Hi Zaria & Bella,

Welcome to eforum,

I think the better question is what makes a good clerk or proprietor. While customers come in many varieties and not all are pleasant and engage in friendly conversation (although it would be nice) The sales person is often challenged to deal with all of these people on their terms.

I wouldn't go so far as to say the "customer is always right" they must all be treated with respect.

Please feel free to list your website in your signature and perhaps a post in the Open Marketplace.

 

Speaking from my own personal experience, I never shop at a store that can't look up long enough to say hi or they can't seem to disengage themselves from a conversation. I agree that the cashier has to be able to deal with the multitude of attitudes that are presented, however it is the managers or owners job to also be engaged and be aware. Case in point; I went shopping at a local office supply store and the cashier was on deaths door and handling my purchase. I mentioned to him he might want to go home and get better, he stated he could not get out of his shift, his boss was unwilling to help him. Now as a person who had done retail for years and now own my own retail business, let me say I won't shop there again. A company who has no value for their employees has no value for a customer. As a business owner and I may be new at it, I would never put my store over another human beings health and life. I value not only my customers, who I absolutely adore but when I hire a person, I know its because they are vital part of my business.

 

I think that is absolutely disgusting Zaria&Bella, the way some bosses treat their employees. Treat them right and they'll look after your business.

I was at a store counter not long ago actually, had some items to purchase and the cashier continued chatting on the telephone, a private call. I took pleasure in leaving the items scattered on the counter and left the store. She did shout something, I didn't take much notice what she said, with a smile on my face, I closed the door behind me.

I have worked in the retail business, many year ago it was, but we were taught to respect our customers and treat every single one as a person. And as a customer I expect that treatment.

 

I agree, Julie. I love when i see employees happy and they say they love working where ever they are. My last career was as a vet asst in a small town owned by four partners, and I loved them all. Sadly enough, I had to leave to move, but then opened up my own place, now its my turn. Thanks for the comments, enjoy your day.

 

I agree with you Zaria & Bella! I always feel like I’m intruding or unwelcome when I walk into a store and am practically ignored. I think managers and employees should strive to be happy, outgoing, and want to know their customers. I remember when I worked at a pet shop, they had us smile and ask “Who are you shopping for today?” it instantly got them talking about their pets and made a happy and upbeat atmosphere.

 

I think Customer is goodwill for businessman or owner.

 

Answering the very first question in this post---I think simply The one who pays makes a good customer-Money is all what is needed in life in correct manner legaly-Anyways we can keep good relation with customer to make him come back

 

From my opinion, goodwill can make a good customer of any organization.

 

So, while making money is important, I don't believe that I want my customers believing the only thing I care about is their wallet. I want them to have fun in the store, to tell me honestly what they think and even see what they have for suggestions. Yes, In order to stay a small independently owned business I need customers who buy, but to say its the only thing is not my motto. You will shop with me I believe, because my products are good, my service is fun and most important: I care! I never go to malls if I can avoid them, yesterday I broke down and went. The cashiers ignored the five people standing in line, the manager was trying to seduce a young lady and the only working cashier was pissed because she was doing all the work. That is why you will shop with me and not them, I would never do that to you, and I know I will be trying my hardest to make you feel like a person. Not a wallet, a form of money or a number. See me at Zaria & Bella's Online and follow me on FB

 

Good customers:

• Clearly communicate expectations. Assumptions are a bad thing. Customers who share their expectations openly and early are much happier with their project outcomes.
• Provide clear direction and feedback to the project team to control scope.
• Understand that changes to a project that modify the original base requirements, often are necessary to provide the best solution. To account for this, a good solution is a change management plan, defined at the start of the project that outlines a formal process for changes. This process includes criteria used to determine if a change will actually be implemented or deferred to a later date.
• Take initiative in quickly removing road blocks for those doing the work.
• Share responsibility for success of delivery.
• Work to diminish the political boundaries that can emerge between consultants and full-time employees. Along with this, a good consulting team works hard to accelerate the expertise of existing employees so they can successfully maintain what they’re responsible for when the contract ends.
• Become actively engaged in the process all along the way (and gets key people involved and with some ownership).
• Do not overreact to minor setbacks.
• Communicate on a daily basis.
• ..................................
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Excellent team work is a valuable part of the customer service skills collection. Interaction between divisions is the base of excellent group performance. Without excellent communication there can be no group performance or collaboration because no one will know what to do and when to do it.

 

Good customer have good communication skills. He have to share the responsibility for delivery of success. In fact he have proper knowledge of the product or service i.e. he knows what he exactly want to buy.

 

good discussion guys

 

I think a most important is that how you are representing about product information with customer and depend on your behavior speech.