Offering a sincere and specific compliment is an effective way to recognize customers and make the service experience memorable.
For example, you might say, “That’s a gorgeous watch. Is it a Tag Heuer?” And then, assuming you have a genuine interest in and knowledge of watches, demonstrate your enthusiasm by adding something like, “Have you seen the new Link Calibre S that Tiger Woods endorses?” This customer will appreciate that you recognized his watch and, if you’re talking with either a watch or golf enthusiast, your interaction is bound to be memorable!
Just the other day, a Starbucks barista complimented the customer ahead of me in line by saying, “I love your necklace!” The customer smiled, picked up her beverage and said, “Oh my gosh—thank you!” in the most delighted tone. It was only 8:00am and yet I believe the employee had already made her day!
I’m not suggesting that you should manufacture compliments in order to better serve your customers. The opportunity to offer a sincere and specific compliment will not present itself during every customer service interaction—and insincere compliments are awkward. Just be on the lookout for those opportunities to genuinely recognize a customer’s attire, hairstyle, jewelry—even the behavior of their young children.
Customers will appreciate the recognition and you will be memorable—which certainly beats the alternative!
