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Sometimes, we have customers that just SUCK!
Unfortunately it is a reality of doing business of any kind. You are not alone, by any means, but sometimes, in that moment, it feels like you are, and the whole world is against you, and your business will suffer, and everyone will agree with Mr/Mrs Crazyface, and it’s all over for you!
(Yes I know that was a run-on sentence, it was meant to convey the anxiety and panic that comes with these types of people.)
Here are some tips to help you deal:
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Take a deep breath, smile, and power through it.
Sometimes, there is a light at the end of the tunnel, and you know you just have to take a little bit of crap, and get through just one grumpy customer, and be able to get on with your day.
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Write a nasty email.
But definitely don’t send it. Sometimes you just need to get the words out, so that you can feel better about the situation. Other times seeing what you think/feel about the situation may put into perspective that there is somewhere halfway that you could meet them, or maybe even that you are the one being unreasonable.
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Outsource their business.
If there is another company that does something similar, or there is some other way you can deal with them less, or another staff member that might have a personality style that jives better with the customer’s, feel free to pass them off. But remember to do it as seamlessly and kindly as possible.
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Fire them.
Yes, I said it. Sometimes there is no compromise, nothing you can do to make them happy, and you will only cause yourself more discomfort if you continue to deal with this toxic person. If they aren’t happy, and you aren’t happy, then what are either of you doing?! Find a diplomatic way to let them know that you don’t think it’s wise to continue the business relationship, so that you can both feel ok about the next transaction.
If you often find yourself struggling with difficult customer interactions, and need a bit more help, feel reach to reach out to me by email or on my Facebook Fanpage.
