mystery shopping | tips and tricks
How to Have Creative Conversations with Retail Associates
This is a guest post written by one of our Bees, Lesia Jones.
Have you ever been on a Mobee mission where you had to speak with a sales associate? If so, did you find that they did not want to give you the time of day?
If your answer is a resounding YES, then boy do I have some good news for you! Below you will find three creative ways to get a retail associate talking, even if they are in a rush.
No. 1: Sell The Fact That You Want to Make a Purchase
When you begin talking to the associate and they appear to be rushed, make it clear that you are seriously considering buying one of the products. To create a sense of urgency, say you plan to make the purchase within the next week. Let them also know that if they can give you enough information, you will definitely come back and buy the product from them.
Most retail associates get a commission from sales. So if they think they are going to get something out of it, they are more likely to give you high-quality answers to help you out with your Mission!
No. 2: Give Them a Compliment
Sometimes a small compliment goes a long way! If you are trying to get help and you can tell the retailer is busy working on a display, say the following: “Excuse me, I love that lipstick you are wearing!” Then when they respond with “thank you,” that gives you the perfect opportunity to say, “Do you mind if I ask you a question?” You can then ask whatever question that the Mission prompts you to.
No. 3: Create an Emotional Connection
The final way to have a great conversation with a store employee is to make an emotional connection.
For example, if you are looking at security devices, you can say, “I am in the market for a security device for my elderly grandmother. Can you give me a recommendation on the most user-friendly and safe device for an elderly person?”
By saying this you will likely have tugged on their heartstrings without even trying that hard! They will be more than willing to give you the best information possible.
These three tips will have you sailing towards creative convos with rushed retail associates in no time!
Are you looking for other ways to guarantee a smooth Mission experience? If so, check out common troubleshooting tips and 5 top-notch tips for sneaky in-store photos. As well as our blog about talking to employees and how to take the best photos.
Editor’s Note: Lesia Jones is an active Mobee user who loves going to the beach!