Dave Richardson

This Simple Trick Can Defuse Angry Clients Or Employees

Resist raising your voice.

Published

2 years ago

January 19, 2018

INSTORE Staff Instore February 2018 Issue

TIP: Don’t Fight Fire With Fire

WHY IT IS TRUE: An irate customer or even an employee can quickly disrupt the professional activities in your store.

PLAN OF ACTION: Resist raising your voice. Move the upset individual from the showroom into your office. Close the door, ask them to please sit in a chair, and pull up a chair yourself. Rather than trying to compete with them with an argument, start by asking serious open-ended questions. This will begin to get the individual sharing their anger. By leaning forward in your chair, you will convey your concern and sincerity. Maintain eye contact at all times. Rather than giving an ultimatum, provide them an opportunity to resolve the problem themselves. When the flame is extinguished, shake their hand and move on.

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INSTORE Staff

Over the years, INSTORE has won 80 international journalism awards for its publication and website. Contact INSTORE's editors at editor@instoremag.com.

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Dave Richardson

Bad News Deserves an Explanation, Not an Excuse

Here’s how to talk to clients when expectations aren’t met.

Published

4 weeks ago

August 20, 2019

Dave Richardson

WHY IT IS TRUE: Many salespeople are scared to be the bearer of bad news, but customers appreciate honesty.

PLAN OF ACTION: Be up front, and be prepared to accept the consequences. Maybe the customer’s special order ring from the vendor did not arrive on time. The customer does not care about the problems the vendor incurred. Explain the actions you’ve taken to rectify this situation, and if necessary, offer any compensation you feel will help.

Dave Richardson

24 Verbal Buying Signals Your Sales Staff May Be Missing

Do this exercise to improve your team’s closing ratio.

Published

5 months ago

April 22, 2019

Dave Richardson

WHY IT IS TRUE: The customer will say things that indicate they are ready to buy, but many salespeople talk right through these cues.

PLAN OF ACTION: During a meeting with your staff, write these verbal buying signals on a flip chart and ask your staff if they can think of any to add to the list.

Do you take credit cards?
I really like it.
I think she’ll like it.
Do you have a warranty program?
Will you gift-wrap it?
You provide an appraisal?
What if she doesn’t like it?
What time do you close tonight?
Do you have it in white gold?
Will you be able to size it for me?
If I buy it, when can I pick it up?
I really like the feel of it.
I really like the way it looks on me.
Can I put it on my store credit?
Can you engrave it for me?
You have a layaway plan?
Since I can’t take until it is sized, do you deliver?
Does it come in a box?
How can I care for it?
Do you have the matching earrings?
Can I borrow a calculator?
If I buy the ring, will you pay the tax?
What is your return policy?
What do you think?

Then, divide your salespeople into groups of two or three and have them write the appropriate closing question to each one of the verbal buying signals. Then you can compare the results.

Dave Richardson

Why Ignoring Young Customers Could Come Back to Haunt You

Sales trainer David Richardson says this is an opportunity to make a client for life.

Published

5 months ago

April 4, 2019

Dave Richardson

WHY IT IS TRUE: The 12-year-old spending $25 today might be back for an engagement ring in 10 years.
PLAN OF ACTION: Put him or her at ease and ask questions about the gift recipient. Treat them as though they were an adult, show them respect, and you just may have a customer for life.