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3. How much aggravation they had to endure Aggravations are of two types--those that shouldn't have happened (glitches). Or those that happen to everyone, like long waits, multiple visits, shortage of parts, etc. A buyer is willing to endure a little inconvenience, but not for long, not every time. Your job is to minimize inconveniences so they don't arise--not treat them like business as usual.
Here's where helpful, informed employees will make or break business. First in building customer rapport, anticipating their concerns, and avoiding problems in first place.
4. How many mind games are played on them Sorry to say, word "sales" gets misused too often. Selling isn't an opportunity to manipulate potential buyer to do what seller wants, rather than providing buyer what they want.
No one wants to feel like a sucker or to be mislead about prices, delivery dates, or terms of sale. Even a hint of such treatment kills trust, kills their willingness to hear you out. And if a person feels tricked into buying, they won't buy again. Or they might cancel sale afterward from buyer's remorse.
5. How well business has its act together Starting with first impression, did everything about business live up to its promise or reputation? If every part of operation works smoothly as an integrated whole, consider customer well served. When parts are mismatched or full of snags, it screams "small potatoes." That scares business away. Even if issues are minor, they pull plug on trust. Fortunately, a focus on your HOW yields big benefits from quick and inexpensive solutions. For tangible ways to wipe out small potatoes signals, visit my website where I discuss this. http://www.giantpotatoes.com
Get your HOWs in order, and you'll drive competition crazy Customers notice when they're treated well. Let your uniqueness shine in HOW of customer-pleasing practices. It pays off in your bottom line. (c)2004, Lynella Grant This is Part I of a two-part series. Part II, about Internet buyers, can be read at: http://www.giantpotatoes.com/article202.htm
-- Dr. Lynella Grant decodes and repairs unintended messages in the "body language" of a business. Appear to be a seasoned pro. Author "The Business Card Book" and "Stop Looking Like Small Potatoes" Off the Page Press http://www.giantpotatoes.com mailto: grant@giantpotatoes.com (719) 395-9450 P.O. Box 4880 Buena Vista, CO 81211