The Unfriendly Customer

Some people just want to get their business done and that's it. You should be able to pick out these customers right away and fulfill thier wants. You don't know or need to know what else is going on in their life, so complete the sale as quickly as you can and let them go. A pleasant hello, no questions and smile will be enough for this person.

Never force a customer to respond to, "How are you today?" They may not want to answer and it makes them irritated by just asking. Avoid asking any general questions to this type of buyer and just finish the transaction. If you serve and treat this customer the way they want to be treated, you will probably  long term loyalty. Your goal is to satisfy them not to ask questions they don't want to answer.

By Barry Thomsen, more in chapter 11 of the book "90 Days to Success as a Small Business Owner", available in bookstores and online.