Top Ten Things Customers Don't Want To Hear -
- And What To Say Instead

By Bill Lampton PhD

Think back to recent conversations you had while you were shopping. Unfortunately, chances are very good that sales people who talked with you about their product or service used language that either surprised you, bothered you slightly, or infuriated you so much that you vowed not to do business with them again.

Now, think about the words you and those you work with use when you talk with current and potential customers. What are you saying that offends buyers? What should you be saying? Here are ten of the most common language blunders, with the comments you and your people should be making instead:

II- That's not my job.

Why that's wrong: Not only do you avoid handling a customer's problem yourself, you offer no solution from anyone.

Better statement: I know just the person who can help you with that problem, and I'll introduce you to him.

III- Sorry, it's closing time, so I can't talk to you now.

Why that's wrong: Indicates that you work by the clock, not by commitment to customer needs.

Better statement: As you can see, we are closing now, but I will be glad to stay around a few minutes until we meet your need.

IV- To schedule delivery, let me see when I'm going to be in your neighbourhood next week.

Why that's wrong: Shows that you have your convenience as the decisive factor in scheduling, not the customer's convenience.

Better statement: Yes, we can deliver this to you next week. What day and time will suit you best?

V- You're the first person who has complained about our service.

Why that's wrong: Implies that the customer is a grouch and troublemaker, and that your company could not possibly be wrong.

Better statement: We know there is always room for improvement, so I'm grateful that you reported this problem.

VI- Tell me your name again, and what the problem is.

Why that's wrong: Shows that you didn't listen carefully, and this will infuriate a person who is dissatisfied already.

Better statement: Mr. Adams, as I understood you, your car's air conditioning isn't cooling adequately. Right?

VII- If you buy this item, you'll help me meet my sales quota for the month.

Why that's wrong: Makes you sound only marginally successful, and reflects that you are using the customer instead of becoming useful for the buyer.

Better statement: This item has been quite popular this month, and we are hearing good reports from customers who have used it.

VIII- Walk through that door over there, turn left, take the escalator, and you'll be on the floor where we accept returned merchandise.

Why that's wrong: Many people get confused about directions, and if the customer gets lost, you are adding to her frustration.

Better statement: Let me take you the desk where you can return the merchandise.

IX- Gosh, I barely got here -- had to drop my dog at the vet, traffic was terrible, and I've got this awful headache.

Why that's wrong: Customers aren't interested in your problems, because they are depending on you to solve their problems.

Better statement: Good morning, I'm glad to meet you. (That's all that you need to say about yourself and how you arrived)

X- That's against our policy.

Why that's wrong: Customers don't want to deal with inflexible bureaucrats, but with sales people who care enough to adjust to unmet needs.

Better statement: While regulations seem to indicate we can't do this, I believe we can find a way

A closing suggestion: Take this list to your next staff or employee meeting. Use the list as a springboard for discussion. Challenge your group to identify other offensive statements, and agree on suitable replacements. Your customers will welcome the refreshingly new climate of courtesy and consideration that permeates your work force.

About the Author: Bill Lampton, Ph.D., Helps You Finish in First Place. He has shared his expertise in communication, motivation, sales and customer service with a diverse client list. He wrote a popular book: The Complete Communicator: Change Your Communication, Change Your Life!