Like 80's fashion they just keep coming back. Follow FemaleFirst’s guide on how to turn an annoying customer into a buying one!
The Try-but-never-buy
Characteristics
They come in every week, look at everything, leave your shop looking like a disaster zone and don’t even buy anything.
How to deal with them
Bite your tongue, as tempting as it is to ask them: "Are you planning to buy anything?" They are a potential customer who obviously likes your products. Ask if there is anything they are looking for because it is a chance to find out if there are any gaps in your stock.
The Complainer
Characteristics
Rude, angry and liable to burst. Even though they act angry at the "inconvenience"of having to make time in their busy schedule to be here, you suspect they really get a kick out of it.
How to deal with them
Listen to the customer, if you look disinterested they are likely to get angrier.Tell them you cannot help them until they calm down.
Think about the last time you complained about something, how did you feel about how your complaint was dealt with? Learn from their mistakes and take note of their good points.
The Returner
Characteristics They get a high from buying new stuff but soon become haunted by guilt because they cannot afford it. They return the product because it "was a gift for my auntie but she has already got one".
How to deal with them
Smile politely and tell them it is not a problem. The nicer you are, the guiltier they will feel about returning the product. They might even decide to keep it next time.
The "I’m normally a size 6"
Characteristics
Dressed in clothes which are far too young for them and with faces full of make-up. They insist on trying on your most expensive, delicate clothes in a sizes clearly way too small for them.
How to deal with them
Try not to grimace as you see the seams pulling and agree when they complain that your sizes are "much smaller than everywhere else".
When you offer to get the item in a bigger size do not forget to say: "It looks better a little bit baggy anyway". And do not forget to check for damage before they leave the shop!
Robyn Walker