This is a guest post from blogger Alexis Bonari
Anyone that has ever made a purchase has at some time come across one of the following scenarios. Whether you have encountered a store clerk who makes you wait while they answer the phone or have been made to feel like you are breaking some unwritten law by returning a purchase, these are all situations that can affect where a customer decides to shop. Here are the top six pet peeves of customers and what you can do to avoid these problems in the future.
1. When an employee answers the phone in the middle of helping a customer
Does it get any worse than waiting in line, finally getting service, and just when you get your turn, the phone rings and you are asked to “hang on a second”? How rude! If you are helping a customer, and must answer the phone, put the caller on hold and help the people in front of you.
2. Feeling as if we, the customer, are bothering you
Have you ever walked into a store and asked for help only to get a huffy clerk who acted as if you were asking for the world? This is undoubtedly one of top pet peeves for any customer. Customer service is job number one and before a customer even has the chance to ask for help, impress them by asking them first.
3. When someone hates their job and makes it known to everyone
There’s nothing like ending a pleasant day of shopping with the annoying complaints of a disgruntled worker. Put your comments on hold until the coast is clear of customer ears or until after your shift. Remember, if you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything!
4. When you talk to other employees and ignore the customer.
Nail salons tend to be notorious for this! I can not count the times that I have had a pedicure without even saying one word to the nail tech who was busy yapping with the other technicians. The customer comes first so try to make them feel as if they are the focus, the gossip can wait!
5. When customers have to beg for assistance
In the same class as “feeling as if we, the customer, are bothering you”, asking and seeking out someone to help you can be just as annoying. Stay within plain view and accessible to customers.
6. Returning Items
It’s frustrating enough having to return something but when you get the third degree about why you are making the return, it makes this experience even worse! Consider the policy of the store. Customers are well within their rights to return purchases, so don’t take it personally. Accepting a returned item with a smile will make the customer WANT to continue shopping by not feeling guilty if they have to return items in the future.
About the Author: Alexis Bonari is a freelance writer and blog junkie. She is currently a resident blogger at College Scholarships.org. In her spare time, she enjoys square-foot gardening, swimming, and avoiding her laptop.