How to Interact with Customers

     Don’t be weird.  If you lack the social ability to say, “hello, how may I help you,” or to point, then you’re better suited flipping burgers while isolated behind a counter. 

     Working retail is an incredibly sociable job. Those without people skills need not apply, because after all, that’s the meat and potatoes of what retail is all about.  You need to know how to read people, how to gauge their interest in certain products, and how to work them so that they’ll end up spending more money than they originally wanted to.  I know I sound like a typical used car salesman, but they’ve got retail down to a science. But since nobody likes used car salesmen, why not try these simple tips for interacting with customers, especially if you’re new to the job.

Be Friendly

     No one is going to buy anything if you’re too rude to even bother acknowledging the customer.  And not only will they refuse to purchase anything, they’ll go and complain about you to your manager, after which you’ll be in a world of shit.  If you don’t feel like opening your mouth, simply smiling to the customer will go a long ways towards breaking the ice, and at least letting them know that you’re there to help.

Know Your Products

     If you don’t know where things are, or what something does, then you’re really going to frustrate your customers.  Customers hate finding things for themselves, and if you send them on a wild goose chase for something, they’ll end up hating you too. Familiarize yourself with the products in your store.  You can do this by cleaning or putting away re-shop, but at least have a basic understanding of what things do. And if you don’t, ask a co-worker.

Joke Around With Your Customers

     Nothing eases the tension with a total stranger like humor. Customers enjoy interacting with employees they can connect with, or who seem down to Earth. Also, good vibes from a store’s employees is great encouragement for a customer to come back for more.  One of my favorite parts of working retail is shooting the wind with customers.  Not only does it help pass the time, but if a customer really likes you, and is proactive enough, they could deliver some great praise for you to your manager.

     
     In the end, it all comes down to giving the customer what they want. 9 times out of 10, they’re in your store for some sort of purpose or goal. You’re there to help them achieve this goal as seamlessly as possible, so that they can hop right back into their cars and get back to their couches. Where you, of course, wish you could be