Importance of Open Ended Questions in Customer Service

Avoid questions that can get '______' as an answer

When you ask, 'Can I help you?' the gag reflex takes over, and the customer automatically says, '______.' Now, the shopper has browsing (not buying) on their mind.

'No' also closes the door to further communication. It’s challenging to engage with a customer who has decided they don’t want or need your help, and it’s frustrating for your employees who just want to make a ______.

Don’t let thoughtless questions derail your ______ process.

Instead, choose natural greetings that engage the shopper without bothering them. Here are some retail employee training tips for doing ______ that.

Look closer at the greeting: 'Can I help you?' It's probably the most common retail greeting there is. And on the surface, it sounds like an acceptable way to greet customers politely and ______. The only problem?

After a visitor has settled into your store and you've greeted them with, Good (time of day), set the stage for a sale with these additional customer greeting examples: 'Have you been here before?' When you ask questions, you show your customers you __________.

Michael Gerber, the author of The E-myth, found companies increased sales by 10 to 16% with this specific greeting: 'Good morning (name), welcome back!' Show your customers you remember them and value their repeat __________.

A personalized greeting is always best (we all love to hear our __________).

If your staff struggles to remember names, they can still show recognition with a friendly: 'Nice to see you __________.' Give a genuine compliment.

The secret to greeting customers with a compliment is to make it specific and relevant to your business. Otherwise, you might come off as sleazy or __________.

The idea is to initiate a two-way conversation and avoid small-talk greetings easily answered with a 'yes' or 'no.' Each shopper is unique, so how to greet customers in retail stores will vary based on individual __________.