Are You Candid Enough With Your Customers?

Want to really gain respect from you customers? Be candidly honest. If something looks bad on a customer, let them know – gently, of course, and with an alternative in mind. But either way, be honest about your retail instincts and for that matter, your style instincts. Whether you sell apparel, footwear, furniture, art, accessories or anything else, being up front and honest with your customers can gain you sales in return, even if you have to miss a sale to get there. For example, if you are selling a service and someone wants your opinion on one versus another, it’s your job to educate them on your thoughts on both. It’s also your job to tell them your preference if they ask – or possibly  give them a suggestion even if they don’t ask. The point is that you want to gain trust, value and respect from your customers through honest communication. Being candid about your viewpoints on what  you are selling – and most importantly, what you are selling with them in mind – offers the opportunity for a relationship to be built on the honesty you are giving them. In turn, they are more likely to believe you when you tell them something does look great or is worth trying. Don’t just sell anything to sell it. Consider who your audience is and if it is meant for them. This will allow you to gain valuable returns in not only sales, but respect, as well, while building long lasting customer relationships.