Many times, as customers, we tend to forget all the pressure and responsibilities that an owner of a small business has. Retail sales have a lot of demands and the most important of them is the same as in b2b sales, that of being positive and courteous to every customer.
Customers deserve the best customers service possible, regardless of the problems you might be facing, or the pressure of being a small business owner in an environment so hostile like the Greek economy.
I was going to report some examples of bad customer service here but I feel it is unnecessary. All of us have been in situations where we felt that the service was below par. But something that really caught my attention is that more often than not the owners of the small businesses are having trouble finding good employees. And, in 2018 Greece where retail sales have plummeted, unemployment is really high and the economy still in free fall, it is really strange to meet almost daily owners of small businesses that cannot find employees. And I am not talking about stores and employers that do not pay or those delay payments and do not treat their staff properly. I am talking about decent people!
I have been having this same conversation at least twice a week and my answer is always the same. Hire good people and don't worry about their training (I usually help with that by training them in retail sales) or their experience. Hiring someone that has an innate ability to service and to go above and beyond when needed is truly vital. Then with the proper training, you teach them to take care of the customer but also themselves, to be able to get up even in the bad days, go to an environment of safety and creativity and be positive and courteous to everyone.
Steer clear of toxic people and look for a good character. Sales can be trained and practiced later on. Have patience and seek assistance!!!
Good luck everyone!
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