5 Tips For Handling Difficult Customers

Dec 08, 2020

Unfortunately, even though the saying goes with the customers always right, they aren’t always as right as they might like to think. All too often, businesses find themselves handling difficult customers that don’t make our jobs any easier.

Regardless of how hard you try to be the best version of your business that you can be, the truth is there will always be customers that are dissatisfied. The best you can do is learn how to handle the situation when it comes. Take a look at some of the best tips for smoothly handling a difficult customer.

Listen

The first thing that you should do is hear the customer out. Even if it seems like what they’re complaining about is downright absurd, it’s your job to lend your ear. For example, if the customer is upset about something such as the fact that you accept cash only, you’re not going to do yourself any good by arguing with him about it. Instead, apologize for the inconvenience, and offer them a solution or alternative.

Try To Put Yourself In Their Shoes

It can be difficult to empathize with someone who’s being downright rude. However, the best way to get on their level is to try to understand where they’re coming from. No one is asking you to get down on your hands and knees and beg for forgiveness.

All it takes is considering whether you would be angry or disgruntled in the situation too. Having some sort of empathy for the other person helps you stay calm when they are anything but.

Be Proactive

Usually, customers are difficult because they’re looking for some kind of a solution. In some cases, an apology just isn’t enough. Therefore instead of simply saying you’re sorry, you should also offer some sort of proactive strategy. If they aren’t pleased with it, then you can always offer them to talk to the next person up.

Usually, it’s simply a matter of communication and trying to reach an agreement together. By taking steps forward rather than shrugging, your customer will likely calm down.

Be Respectful

It helps to have some sort of a script on hand when dealing with customers that are particularly upset. A script helps you remain respectful when all you want to do is start hurling insults. Remember, if you start to feel upset, it’s only natural. You’re human too, and someone screaming at you can start to trigger your emotions. However, being respectful is simply a matter of choosing the right words. Choose carefully.

Accept The Situation

In some cases, you just have to accept that there’s nothing either one of you can do to change the situation. Rather than beating your heads against a brick wall, eventually, you have to accept that it’s a situation that may not have any resolution.