How to Be A Good Customer In A Clothing Store

People give a lot of consideration to customer service in the retail world, but rarely think about what it takes to be a good customer. Being a good customer can enhance your shopping experience because your good treatment to the sales associate will ensure they give you good treatment in return.
This is written from the perspective of a person with years of retail experience.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Yourself
• A good attitude
• Money is helpful

1. Shop With Intent.
   Try not to go "shopping" unless you plan to buy. It may be fun to occasionally try on clothes with friends, but it's an inconvenience for the sales associate. Assume the person behind the counter has other things to do besides just clean up the dressing rooms.

2. Be Positive.
   Keep your criticisms to yourself. If you have a complaint, let the sales associate know face to face, not through comments under your breath or to your friend. The person behind the counter may have hand selected or created the items you are criticizing and the insult can create tension. There is a good chance the person working there knows more about the product than you, so be humble in your opinions.

3. Keep It Clean.
   After trying on your clothes, hang or fold them as they were. Ask the sales associate if they would like you to bring them the clothes or leave them. Don't worry about returning your clothes. It is easier for them to rehang items correctly the first time than to rummage through the racks, making sure everything is facing the right way, tags are still attached, buttons are buttoned, etc. Notify the sales associate if something rips or falls apart while trying it on. It's unlikely they would make you purchase it, but it's nice to know so they can repair or remove it.

4. Communicate.
   Ask questions. Strike up a conversation with the associate. Treat them as a human. Be kind and thoughtful and they will do the same for you. Spending money doesn't always make someone a good customer.

Tips & Warnings

• Often sales associates will go out of their way to assist a friendly customer. You're more likely get the inside scoop on upcoming sales, events, new inventory, etc.
• Businesses should maintain good customer service regardless of the customer. However, it's unfair to assume your money makes up for your uncivil behavior. All service workers have feelings and should be treated as any other human being.

[sgfgirl]

on 2/28/2009 It's good to hear about customer service from this perspective - thanks!

[ellischristina]

on 2/28/2009 Very well written for your first article. I agree customers should expect good service, but they forget that the sales associate is a hard worker deserving respect. After all, would they want to be treated less? Thanks for the nice article and good perspective. 5*

[soanyway]

on 2/28/2009 I worked retail for 5 years, my feet have never recouperated! But I could tell you stories of nasty, nasty customers! Ugggg! hopefully some of them will read your article and get a clue! I have recomn'd you

[DianeD]

on 2/28/2009 now if sales people would get off their cell phones, quit chatting and help us! lol

[hellow99]

on 2/28/2009 Excellent article - how to be a "kinder, gentler" shopper! 5*s and Recommended - great 1st article!