Friday, September 25, 2009

The different types of Customers...

It has come to my attention, while working within a retail department store, that customers are quite versatile. There are different types of customers; ones I'm sure you or maybe someone you know has come across. Certain kinds you pray each shift you will never have, and unfortunately at some point you always do.
This is my list, maybe you have come across others, I’m not sure, but let me know =)
1. The Driven: a customer that is determined to get what they want, at no cost. Refer to number 2 in the Customer Handbook.
2. The Angry: a customer that is already angry over something that happened that day, something that has nothing to do with you (the employee), but they make it your problem. You can smell these types of customers... I swear.
3. The Stupid: a customer, you as an employee can’t believe actually exists. These people ask you the dumbest of questions, or in most cases, questions that are easily answered if they would just read the signs (or look around even). I one time had a customer ask me where the men's coats were, I replied, “right behind you sir!”
4. The Challenger: This type of customer is someone who likes to challenge you, in regards to prices, and even intelligence. I would also categorize this type of customer as a manipulator, or schemer. See below.
5. The Manipulator: The manipulator basically manipulates you into thinking you did something wrong. Or in a criminal sense, they could be considered a quick change artist (someone who gives you a large bill, and asks for change, and repeatedly change their mind as to what they want, and when they are done, they walk away with more then what they previously owned).
6. The Schemer: Basically like a manipulator, except these types of customers are frequently the ones that move merchandise under signs that read a sale, hoping that you wont figure it out. Or they just simply move the sign. At some point you will get a customer that frequently goes in search of broken merchandise, that of which they want to buy, and hope they’ll get a discount on it. (Usually in stores that allow a no bill return, they will ‘lose’ the bill, and return the merchandise 3 days later for a full refund, minus the discount... in the end receiving more money then the amount paid).
7. The Double Teamer: These people work in groups and perform most of the above definitions, below too.
8. The Cross-dresser: The name speaks for itself.
9. The Employee: These are customers that work at your store, the moment they’re on the other side, all definitions count.
10. The Impatient: People who are in a hurry, and you can tell they are in a hurry. At this point, I’d work slower...
11. The Insane: Insane, enough said.
12. The Boaster: People you may consider insane, these people, have to tell you exactly what they bought, and why they bought it. Another, could just simply like to flash around their cash.

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