IMP Imp project | Page 30

CUSTOMER SERVICE

Every staff member when working in retail needs to have excellent time management, this is because when a customer enters the store If the staff member is occupied, for example putting away stock, they need to finish as soon as possible as their priority is the customer. This will make the customer feel valued, which is very important. For example, the UK store Next has Lipsy London concessions and the staff who work in the store if they are working a delivery shift are under a time limit to process and unwrap clothing, to tag and put clothing on the correct hangers then scan the items to see if they need to go in the stockroom or on the shop floor. If the time limit is not met It means the staff aren’t reaching the standards that Next have set for their employees.

Customers should be greeted every time they enter the store, it is important that as soon as a customer does enter the store they know they have help on standby if needed. Asking questions when greeting customers allows conversation which is key as then the customer may feel more relaxed and happy. Appearing eager is essential, however there is a fine line between being eager to help and pushy. If the employee doesn’t acknowledge customers it could leave the customer feeling awkward to ask any questions which could potentially reduce sales and profit. Being attentive is crucial if customers do ask questions and watching their body language is also important as a customer might not explain something correctly, so being able to work out what the customer means would be effective.