L2L Group

It's a general notion that nothing can be more delightful for a business or shop owner than the sight of a potential customer - but that may not always be the case.

Many business owners will agree that they occasionally feel like running for cover when a particular kind of customer steps into their place of business. I'm guessing by now, many of you must have identified what kind of person has the spotlight at the moment. Yes, the bargaining customer - the 'dreaded' bargaining customer! Such customers confidently presume that the business is blatantly fleecing them, and that adjusting prices to their appropriate level is their personal right and responsibility. After they win the price battle, the joy of victory can be judged by the gleam on their faces and twinkle in their eyes. No wonder the business owner runs for cover at the sight of them...

Such customers are the most dreaded people for any business, and dealing with them is every salesman's nightmare, as they really believe they know everything - seeing themselves to be masters of the art of bargaining. Tackling them requires equally smart and quick thinking along with some modifications to the usual selling strategy. By taking care of a few key details, you can armour yourself to battle it out with those haggling customers.

1. First of all, if you're actually fleecing customers - Stop Now. You can't blame bargaining customers if you're doing the same thing from the other side of the fence.
2. Ensure that you provide the best quality products possible. Slowly, the customer will realize that he's getting value for his money.
3. Train your salesmen and every other person who comes into direct contact with customers to have predefined answers for all conceivable customer queries.
4. Convince the customers about the product's durability, usage, convenience, price etc. - and always tell the truth.
5. Assure the customer that he/she will be given good after-sales service. Talk about the additional services that the store or business provides.
6. If possible, frequently apply discounts or attach freebies along with the final sale of the product. Contests and quizzes could also be arranged.
7. Try to be different. Sell products that customers can't easily find in other stores or with other businesses.
8. Clearly displaying the 'No Bargaining, Fixed Price Shop' board would be helpful as well.

These tips are designed to limit, or at the very least minimise the damage done by bargaining customers. Try incorporating these ideas into your plan of action, and see for yourself how quickly you can tame those bargaining customers!