15 Things Retailers Should Never Say
15 Things Retailers Should Never Say
Whether you're new in the retail business or not, your downfall and your success can easily be determined by how you dealt with your customers. Your image to your customers is constructed with your tone and language on how your treat them. There are retailers that still use phrases that may give off the wrong impression and bring a negative impact on your customer's shopping experience.
The following is a list of phrases used in customer service setting that can kill a sale and possibly lose a customer. Retailers should avoid using these:
1. I Don't Know
Customers don't expect retailers to know everything, but when it comes to answering a product question or other inquiry, they do expect the salesperson to be confident enough in their knowledge of the business to provide an answer.
Better: "That's a good question. Let me find out for you."
2. All Sales Are Final
Your shop's policy may not allow returns on clearance merchandise or other items. It's fine to let the customer know this, but retailers need to be flexible and allow a return or exchange against company policy if it comes down keeping a customer.
Better: "Let us know if you're not satisfied and we'll make it right."
3. Calm Down
There may not be a more infuriating phrase in customer service than this one. If a customer has reached a boiling point and is ranting away, the best thing to say is nothing. Let the customer finish. Once he or she has gotten everything out, they will begin to feel better and may be more receptive to a solution.
Better: "I apologize."
4. Did You See Any?
If a customer asks for a particular item you carry, chances are he/she already looked for it and didn't see it. This could mean it's out of stock or possibly still in the stock room. Even if they haven't looked for it yet, the best customer service would be to either take them to the product or go get it for them.
Better: "Yes, we stock that. I'll go see if we have any."
5. We're Closed
At the end of the day, the last thing a closing-shift employee wants to do is allow a shopper in after hours. Before turning away a potential sale, keep in mind that either the customer doesn't know the store hours or possibly the customer's doesn't know what time it is. Neither is a reason to be abrupt.
Better: "We close at __ o'clock and reopen at _ o'clock. Is there something I can quickly help you with now?"
6. Will That Be All?
Not many customers would find anything negative about this phrase. However, not only is it overused but the retailer is passing up a sales opportunity.
Better: "Did you see our __ that goes with this?" or "Have you tried __?"
7. It's Over There
We've all heard this bad customer service phrase used by the busy or indifferent sales clerk. Sometimes they may point in the general direction. Other times they don't even lift their head to acknowledge the shopper. Make sure all store staff knows using this phrase is a big no-no.
Better: "Follow me, I'll show you right where it is."
8. I Can't Do That
This is another negative customer service phrase that should be banned from all store staff. Either empower the employees or train them to take issues to a supervisor or store management.
Better: "What I can do is ___."
9. That's Not My Department
It may be true, but it is also definitely something a customer doesn't want to hear. Retailers should train their staff to be familiar with all areas of the store operations or at least understand who to contact for help in various departments.
Better: "I'll be happy to get you to the person who knows more about that department."
10. We're Out of That
It's inevitable that a store will run out of a product and customers know this. Unless you let the customer know if and when it will be restocked, they will probably go buy it elsewhere. Be proactive and offer to contact the customer when it's back on the shelf. Don't ask them to call you.
Better: "That item is currently out of stock but will be back in on ___. Can I get your name/number and call you when it comes in?"
11. It's Against Our Policy
In today's competitive market, retailers can't afford to be inflexible. It is important to have store policies but it's more important to keep a customer satisfied. Use this phrase only when you feel a policy is being abused.
Better: "Our policy is __ but we want to make this right. This is what I can do..."
12. I'm New Here
For some reason, many new staff members think this customer service phrase let's them off the hook. The customer doesn't care if you're new. He/she only wants to deal with someone who knows what they're doing and can get the result they want.
Better: "Please bear with me and I'll get you the help you need."
13. Hold On
This customer service phrase, and all of its variations, should be non-existent. There is a much softer way to say essentially the same thing without infuriating the customer.
Better: "Are you able to hold for a moment?"
14. I'm Busy Right Now
Have you ever said, or heard, the following? "If it weren't for customers, I could get some work done." If you are in retail, chances are you've at least thought it. The truth is, without customers retailers wouldn't have a job.
Better: "I'd be happy to help you."
15. You're Wrong
No, customers are not always right but retailers should never tell them they are wrong. Never. The best course of action is to simply assume the blame.
Better: "I think there has been a misunderstanding." 13 Top Trading Books for the Savvy Investor 117-101 rapidshare 11 Ways to Find Free Wedding Planning Checklists 10Kto1MM Trading Formula with Henry Liu 10Kto1MM Trading Formula will sell out quickly 10Kto1MM Trading Formula is closing tonight 10Kto1MM Trading Formula is LIVE for 12 more hours 10Kto1MM Trading Formula is LIVE - Here's the link 10Kto1MM Trading Formula generated 46% return on the account 10Kto1MM Trading Formula Special Update 10Kto1MM Trading Formula - Few more spots available 10KTo1MM Trading Formula - Your questions answered 101 Top Ways to Get Your Free Amazing Wedding Planning Checklists