An observation....

Did you ever notice how service providers, though trained to be 'nice', don't  always convey gratitude for you giving them your trade?

I'm not saying they aren't grateful for your purchase of the $29 Chuck E. Cheese pizza and token package. I'm just saying it doesn't always seem sincere.

Examples:

Customer: "thank you"
Sales Associate: "yep"

Customer: "Thanks, have a great day."
Sales Associate: "yuh-huh"

Customer: "thanks"
Sales Associate : (stares blankly then turns and walks away)

It's a little detail but something you remember- how an employee finishes up the sale. It's your last opportunity to make positive connection with the customer and yep and uh-huh don't cut the mustard.

You want to provide your employees with some suggestions of "go to" responses so that customers know you value their business. These need to be delivered with sincerity and scripting doesn't always work. We all know when "have a nice day" really means something else.

Some of my favorite responses to a customer's thank you:

• My pleasure.
• You're very welcome, is there anything else we can help you with today?
• You're welcome, we hope to see you soon!

***All delivered by a person who is smiling and looking me in the eye.

The old "You're welcome" or "my pleasure" combined with a positive wish works well too..."My pleasure...enjoy the rest of our day!" "Or, you're welcome, thanks for shopping with us today!"

What can you come up with that is unique to your business, a signature to the sale, if you will. The right unique signature will make an impact on your clients.

Being a Philly girl, there is one maybe not so PC response that always makes me feel valued. One that is always delivered with heartfelt sincerity... so from me to you...

 "Thanks hon, youse have a good one, 'kay?--Beth