HOW TO GREET CUSTOMERS

1.    Smile when you greet your customers.

You want your customers to feel welcome, and that starts with your body language. Stand tall, smile, and approach them briskly. Everything about your manner should say “I’m glad you’re here!

 

2.    Dress professionally. 

How you look is a key part of your greeting. You need to look like you care about your job. A conservative, professional outfit will convey that message. Unless you work in a store with a specific dress code that states otherwise, avoid provocative clothing that might offend customers or make them feel uncomfortable.

  

3.    Acknowledge the customer quickly. 

80% of customers say they want to be noticed and nearly all welcome a friendly greeting. You don’t have to greet each customer right away, but you do need to acknowledge him or her with eye contact and a smile.

·        If stocking shelves or working in the back, stop to greet a new arrival. At the very least, tell her you will be with her shortly. Studies show that customers are much happier waiting if they have been greeted first.

·        If serving another customer, ask him if he minds if you quickly greet the new arrival before you do so.

·        Use a bell on the door to let you know when new customers have arrived, so that you can be sure to greet them promptly.

·        Try to greet incoming customers within 30 seconds.

  

4.     Remember customers' preferences.

 It pays to remember frequent customers’ likes and dislikes. Knowing what someone orders at a coffee shop or restaurant makes them feel like a regular. If you work at clothing store, remembering that a customer loves pink or is fond of a certain brand will make her feel like you care. Personal attention like this is a great way to create customer loyalty.

 

 5.     Show customers to products.

       Don’t just tell them where to look for what they want. They will appreciate     it if you walk them to the product and show them precisely where it is.

 

6.    Ask questions. 

The more specific details you can get on what a customer is looking for, the better you can satisfy his needs. If at a nutrition store and looking for protein powder, you might ask if he is trying to lose weight, built muscle, or tone. Does he want something for after workouts or to stave off hunger? If a customer is looking for shorts at a clothing store, you might ask about how formal or the type of fabric. Questions show you care.

 

7.     Give space after the greeting if necessary.

 Don’t try to read your customers before greeting them. You never want to assume someone wants to be left alone. Always greet an arriving customer warmly, but if she responds coldly or not at all, tell her you will be nearby if they need help and give them space.

 

8.    Get the exit right. 

The effect of a great greeting can easily be lost with a bad goodbye. Don’t just thank them for coming in. Walk customers to the door and open it for them. Ask anyone who looks like they could use a hand – older customers, pregnant women, parents wrangling their children – if he or she would like help carrying their packages to the car.