Different Types of Customers

• Take their time and do not hurry them
• Avoid patronising them
• Avoid any technical slang because, they will not understand
• Be willing to repeat the main points again
• Write details down if, they are too long and complicated to remember

Foreign customers

Foreign customers will become very nervous when they try to talk to the staff. It is very difficult to communicate them if, staff members do not speak a second language. Staff members should remember to:

• Listen to them carefully
• Speak slowly, use simple English words and avoid any slang
• Use short sentences only and write down any key words
• Check if they (staff) understand what they mean by repeating their (customer’s) words, slowly
• Avoid shouting, laughing, showing embarrassment or impatience
• Ask for assistance from someone else if, they (staff) are any having difficulties

Physically or mentally disabled

All staff members should treat disabled customers equally as other fit customers (people with no disabilities) and not treat them as if they are stupid. Staff must try to forget that they are disabled and focus them as an individual. Disabled customers can either be physically disabled or mentally disabled. If a customer is physically disabled, staff members should always remember to: Open doors for them and do not hurry them even if, they (staff members) are busy.

If a customer is mentally disabled, staff members should always remember to: remain patient and let them (customers) take their time to tell them (the staff) what they want, and use easy-to-understand language.

The deaf

If a customer is partially deaf they can probably manage quite well without, any problems. On the other hand, it is difficult to identify customers who are completely deaf. When dealing with deaf people (both partially deaf and completely deaf), staff members should always remember to:

• Face towards them continually when, they (the staff) are speaking
• Many deaf people can lip-read but if they can not, write down what they (the staff) wanted to say. Always keep it short and use key words.
• Don’t shout- it is not right and will make lip-reading hard
• Use simple signs, such as thumbs up to check they understand what they (the staff) told them

The blind

If a customer is partially blind they can probably manage quite well without, any problems. Customers who are completely blind can easily be identified because; they carry a white stick or have a trained dog beside them. When dealing with blind people (both partially blind and completely blind), staff members should always remember to:

• Speak as they approach to the customers
• Do not drag them to a chair. If they require assistance, gently guide them
• Do not shout at them- it is wrong and they are blind not deaf
• Do not intimidate them- even though they are blind, another individual will tell them
• Do not compare things visually, such as different colour shades and sizes
• Read information to them and ask if they would like to repeat it. They should provide Braille information to the customers to read at home
• If they want directions to another part of the shop, for instance they (the staff) can either take them themselves to their destination or, arrange for someone else to do so

The know-it-all

Many business organisation get a lot of customers who know-it-all. For example, a man has seen it, done it and brought the jeans. When dealing with these customers, staff members should always remain calm and remember to:

• Listen and try to find out what they actually want
• Explain their staffs are fully qualified, if they (customers) insist on telling them (the staff) how to do their job. Thank customers fro their interest, anyway
• Be positive and calm if, they (customers) go on for too long
• Be polite even when, they (the staff) are really busy and just want them (customers) to leave

Many customers may know what they want, they might have some idea and want advice, or they might not have a clue and will need close guidance.

Many business organisations categorise their customers into two groups: internal customers and external customers. Internal customers are employees who work with their organisation. It is important for businesses to treat their internal customers equally as they treat their external customers.

External customers are consumers and businesses who often purchase/use the product or service. External customer are the most important part of the business organisation because; without external customers, there would not business. Businesses, such as Barclays must provide excellent customer service, so that, they can return back and tell their friends and families about the wonderful experience they had.