To Shake or Not To Shake, That is the Question
Although this may seem like a trivial issue to most sales people, it is a question I’ve been asked many times in my seminars and it’s also a problem among many retail sales persons.
To Shake or Not to Shake?
The main question is:
“When is the appropriate time to shake hands with the customer?”
Let me first say that this little article, because it goes to an international audience, teaches what I believe to be the right answer in the majority of cases. Notwithstanding, every town, city, state, and country have different cultures and habits, and therefore such habits are the first thing to consider in knowing when to shake a customer’s hand.
In the majority of cases, most customers walk into a retail store with reservations. They do not want to be ‘attacked’ by a sales guy and they want to ‘feel things out’ before they get buddy-buddy with a sales guy. This is why it is almost always better to have quality conversation and discourse with a customer before you shake their hand. As time has progressed here in the United States, the idea of shaking one’s hand has become less and less accepted by the norm of society until such trust is built.
So here is a general rule of thumb for shaking hands in a retail setting:
The first time you shake someone’s hand is after they have agreed to buy your product. In other words, do not shake someone’s hand upfront. Wait until you’ve shown them you’re an expert. Wait until you’ve shown them you care. Wait until you’ve earned their business. And like the quote from Harvey MacKay says:
“The Sale Begins When The Customer Says Yes”
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Hey! Where’s Mufasa?
lol
Anyone seen my favorite mane?
In all honestly though – solid advice. But as you said – it may vary depending on the city or country you live in. Different cultures call for different measures.
Cheers
Ingrid Abboud´s last [type] ..SuperPost Sunday – Weekly Roundup 26
Ahhh my dear friend Ms. Griddy. Yes, Mufasa had not yet been born when this article was written. But hey, we’ve all got to start some where, and I’m just glad this antiquated and lonely post was visited by your smile.
TY
Mufasa
Marcus Sheridan´s last [type] ..7 Content Ideas that Will Blow Up Your Brand and Business in 12 Months or Less—Guaranteed
I’m a two-shaker kind of guy Marcus – one to greet, the respect thing, and one to close the agreement or close the connection and say goodbye if it doesn’t come together. It’s like a tidy man shows himself – smart hair cut, smart clean shoes. Top and tail of all my meetings in person are two shakers so not sure about the one shake, after all what do you do if they hold out their hand at the start for a handshake? Could be a bad move to not take it. Be a mover, be a two shaker!
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