There’s a reason why businesses in Egypt are so hard to maintain. Apart from coming up with an idea and having to put up with competitors who shamelessly straight up copy everything, any business that is B-to-C is doomed for failure because of how annoying customers can be.
I recently started my own small little hand-painted and customized shoe business and have to battle the struggle of keeping it running just because I don’t want to deal with customers anymore.
But to be honest, while there are a few customers who drive me insane, there are some who are are patient, easy and have so much faith in someone they don’t even know that it just amazes me. They even go as far as sending me pictures months after their purchase telling me how they never take off their favorite pair of shoes.
So if you’re planning on opening a business that deals with customers anytime soon, be prepared to deal with one of these kinds of customers — and try not to commit suicide or shoot the customer in the head.
The Bargainer
It doesn’t matter if your prices are cheap or expensive, whatever price you give them, they will bargain! I realize when we’re at markets we tend to bargain because we know we’re getting ripped off, but when you’re buying something online, the price you see is what you get. In my case, everything is handmade, so I don’t care if you order a hundred, I put the same amount of effort into each one!
The one with the attitude
These are the most annoying of all. They have this whole “the customer is always right”attitude and think that you somehow become their slave just because they pay you money. They’re bossy, rude and make you want to punch them in the face.
And if, God forbid, you lose your temper, they give you a lecture on customer satisfaction and how you should do whatever it takes to keep your customers happy.
I’m sorry, but when you’re rude or disrespectful or have that attitude, you ain’t getting anything from me! And, well, that will give you something to think about the next time you preach about customer satisfaction with that attitude.
The Impatient One
Sometimes it is cute how excited a customer can be to order your stuff, but other times it can get annoying. If there’s a policy or waiting period until you receive your item, it’s there for a reason.
It probably either takes time to create or time to be delivered, but when a customer finds something they like, they want it now! Need I remind you that I’m not superwoman and Santa isn’t my courier service?
The Easy-Going One
While there have been a lot of annoying customers, there have been ones who literally put a smile on your face. They’re just plain simple. It takes two seconds to make an order, no arguing, no complaining and they’re satisfied with the bare minimum and always giving out some sort of praise.
They’re decent human beings who know how to deal with people and be polite and are understanding and open to any changes. They realize at the end of the day that you are as much human as they are, and that being friendly is the key to being my favourite customer.
The Complainer
Sometimes, it feels like the customer is in a bad mood and just wants to take it out on you. They ALWAYS have something to complain about, whether it’s the price, the duration, that it’s not exactly like the picture (that is why it’s handmade) or just complain for the sake of complaining.
I wonder how these people are in life, someone should tell them to stop whining and smile more often.
The Loyal Customer
There are customers who trust you so much and have ordered once, twice and even five times that you kind of have a virtual relationship.
They know the drill, they’ve marketed for you even more than you have and become so loyal to your brand that they even defend it against all the complainers. It is customers like these who have so much faith in you that your self-confidence is restored.
The One Who Disappears
These ones are the ones I don’t get the most. I mean, why do you put the effort into messaging, asking for prices and actually ordering, if when the order is done, you are completely unreachable? Especially, when we’ve specified that each item is made by order.
The One Who Asks a Zillion Questions
I understand that sometimes things are completely new to you and you have a lot of questions to ask, but is it just out of boredom? Usually, the ones who ask so many questions are just asking to gain knowledge, not actually to order anything.
I don’t mind, it just amazes me how much free time people have on their hands for something they’re not interested in. I wish I had that kind of free time.
The Ones Who Keep You Going
Some people express their fascination and appreciation about the items being sold and are easy going, loyal and express their love for it even after they’ve received it.
They take pictures and tag you for making their day and share your page and say what great customer service and products you have and are just genuine, happy, easy human beings. If it weren’t for them, I think everyone would have shut down by now!
WE SAID THIS: Don’t miss 6 Lessons I Learned From Starting A Business In Egypt.
