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Smiling Even When They May Leave You.

By
Home Stager

Smiling Even When They May Leave You.

The title sounds a bit like a country western song but no, this has to do with Smiling even when they may leave youcustomer service.

 

For years I went to a salon in Delray Beach for my pedi-pampering, and because of schedules and days off, there were 2 nail technicians who helped bring my feet back to life.

 

When the salon closed for remodeling, both nail techs left to look for work elsewhere. One (“Jane”) went out on her own-choosing to open her own shop in one of the new suites that are popping up all over for stylists, nail technicians and others.  

“Sally” only wanted to work part time so they worked out an arrangement where Sally could use the space when Jane wasn’t there (usually Mondays and evenings.)

 

My dilemma was that both were fine technicians and I didn’t want to hurt anyone’s feelings. I thought I’d try going to both, and alternating appointments.

Bear with me…I know it’s sounding kind of like a Women Only post but hang in there.

My decision was made after I spoke briefly with each of them.

 

When I told Jane that I wanted to do what was right and book with whomever had an opening when I needed it.  

With a smile- “No problem, I understand.  Just call me if you need me.’

When I said the same to Sally:

There was a big hesitation- then “OK if you have to.”

The point I’m trying to make in a circuitous way is that good customer service doesn’t stop when you think you may be losing them.

That smile that says “I want what’s best for you” is the best service you can give them.



Posted by

Kathy Streib
Retired Home Stager
and Interior Redesign

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Comments(88)

Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

A true test is when a customer lashes out unexpectedly (and for no good reason) and you react poorly.  It is always better to stay calm, take the high road and apologize and ask what you could do differently... 

- The customer is now on the defense instead of you and should realize that maybe they over reacted.  

Oct 24, 2015 03:59 AM
Karen Fiddler, Broker/Owner
Karen Parsons-Fiddler, Broker 949-510-2395 - Mission Viejo, CA
Orange County & Lake Arrowhead, CA (949)510-2395

You and Solomon have a great deal in common, even though I doubt it was a test. 

Oct 24, 2015 09:19 AM
Nancy Laswick
United Real Estate - Phoenix, AZ
Your REALTOR® For The Valley Of The Sun

Wanting what's best for your client is the foundation of great customer service. Many  promise it -- few deliver it. This is an excellent example.

Oct 24, 2015 10:13 AM
Amanda Christiansen
Christiansen Group Realty (260)704-0843 - Fort Wayne, IN
Christiansen Group Realty

BAM.  

Oct 24, 2015 10:52 AM
Hella M. Rothwell, Broker/Realtor®
Carmel by the Sea, CA
Rothwell Realty Inc. CA#01968433 Carmel-by-the-Sea

"Smiling when they may leave you" - I have a client who said that if I couldn't "get it done", sell his property by the end of the listing period, he would have to think of other options. He probably thought that it put additional fire under my feet. But when the property doesn't sell, let's face it, it is about price. And that's exactly what I said and, yes, he lowered the price. If I had gotten all flustered and taken it personally, he SHOULD go to someone else and "get it done". So, yes, I keep smiling and give them my best advice. If they don't take it, that's on them.

Oct 25, 2015 01:09 AM
Jeff Bransford
Deland, FL

Not only is it the right thing to do, it is smart business if you are in it for the long haul..

Oct 25, 2015 05:11 AM
M.C. Dwyer
Melody Russell Team at eXp Realty of California, Inc. - Felton, CA
MC Dwyer-Santa Cruz Mountains Property Specialist

That was an awkward situation for you and I thought you approached it elegantly.    Getting half the business is better than risking losing all of it.   Your post is a great reminder to all of us to smile whenever we can possibly muster it during a difficult phone call.   

Oct 25, 2015 08:33 AM
Greg Mona
West USA Realty - Scottsdale, AZ
Professional Real Estate Representation for YOU!

Kathy Streib  Great post!  You handled the situation very well and had your concerns answered in the process.  Smiling is good practice no matter the situation, and heck, "half a hot dog is better than no hot dog"!

Oct 25, 2015 12:46 PM
Chris Shull
ColumbiaLand Realty - Columbia, SC
Your Realtor For Life!

Great Post Kathy! We all need to remember to just SMILE!

 

Oct 26, 2015 12:59 AM
DALIA KIBBY
One Sothebys International Realty - Cooper City, FL
Selling Florida Homes with Passion!

Great reminder...it's not about us! Good post!

Oct 26, 2015 01:36 AM
Denise Hamlin, Broker/Owner
Cardinal Realty ~ 319-400-0268 - Iowa City, IA
Helping Happy Clients Make Smart Choices

I agree completely. If you're an agent who says the customer / client comes first, then that also means you have to walk your talk when their decision is not to your benefit. Plus, what goes around comes around. As your nail technicians will find out I'm sure. 

Oct 26, 2015 03:16 AM
Gene Riemenschneider
Home Point Real Estate - Brentwood, CA
Turning Houses into Homes

Makes sense.  I once had a person tell me they were going to use their brother-in-law.  I kept a smile.  They called me back, as they trusted me more.  That was my biggest dollar sale ever.

Oct 26, 2015 08:22 AM
Patricia Kennedy
RLAH@properties - Washington, DC
Home in the Capital

Kathy, Hmmm.  Bet the lady with the smile gets a lot of your business!

Oct 27, 2015 06:46 AM
Amy Gutschow
RE/MAX - Sheboygan, WI
Professional Real Estate

I have lost listings graciously to have them call a few months

Oct 29, 2015 01:55 AM
Aaron Robertson
Authority Property Management - Redding, CA
We Make Renting Simple.

In Property Management, this happens all the time. Mostly because the owner will give it a shot on their own and it does not go well.  We do presentations all the time and the client comes back 6-8 months later needing help. 

Authority Property Management Redding CA. 

Oct 29, 2015 02:49 PM
Will Nesbitt
Nesbitt Realty at Condo Alexandria - Alexandria, VA
Nesbitt Realty is a family-run brokerage.

Need Palm Beach home staging? Start dialing (561) 914-6224 to speak to Kathy Streib with Room Service Home Staging.

Oct 30, 2015 05:33 AM
Yvonne Van Camp REALTOR
To Buy and Sell Real Estate, see me at Southwest Missouri Realty - Springfield, MO
"Home"work, I have the Answers!

Always smile!

 

Oct 30, 2015 06:07 AM
Kathleen Frawley
Keller Williams 916 730-4404 Elk Grove, Wilton, Folsom, Sacramento - Wilton, CA
South County Sacramento, 916 730 4404

Yes  Yes YES! This applies to everything.  I can guess which one you are going to go with.

Nov 05, 2015 09:20 AM
Travis "the SOLD man" Parker; Broker/Owner
Travis Realty - Enterprise, AL
email: Travis@theSOLDman.me / cell: 334-494-7846

I'm a HUGE believer in CS!! Having had a Music Store for over 30 years, and having MANY of the same customers for the whole time, reinforces my belief and the way I did my CS!

The Customer my not always be RIGHT, but they may have a good POINT. LISTEN to them!!

Nov 06, 2015 04:21 AM
Barbara Todaro
RE/MAX Executive Realty - Happily Retired - Franklin, MA
Previously Affiliated with The Todaro Team

WOW....I'm so sorry I'm late for this one.... saw it on the Q & A by Roger D. Mucci  and I say Ditto to what Roger said.... these people are sleeping.... wake them up....or maybe they need to increase the number of features each day....they're leaving the great ones behind.... 

Apr 05, 2016 06:06 AM