Beware the best intentions that can turn off a customer.
I was working with some clients in Southern Colorado. I needed to make some copies for the next day. I went into one of those big box office supply companies and started to make some copies. I looked down and saw a sign "15 minute time limit".
I only had a few copies to make and the limit didn't apply to me. I am sure the manager was well intentioned. He wanted to make the copier available to many people. I imagine this has been a problem or there wouldn't be a sign. During that afternoon, there were only a few people in the store-- and no one near the copier. This store is like all others that track sales per square foot-- a copier uses about 6 SF and is sitting idle. But the store sends out a subtle negative message that is more damaging. It says if I intend to make a lot of copies, I should leave and go somewhere else. The sign doesn't say, "If you have a lot of copies we'd be happy to help you at the copy center." It says "leave" or "you can't do that". So, if I had a lot of copies, I should to go somewhere else. While in the other store, I'd realize that I need a cable, report cover or other item. And I'd be frustrated that I had to drive somewhere else in a town I am not familiar with.
My local store (same chain) in Longmont has a different method. When they see me waiting, they are proactive, come over and ask to make the copies for me. If I have a large project, I will ask them to do it for me and come back at the agreed upon time.
It is the service in my hometown store that made me happy to see the familiar sign and turn in the parking lot.
Think of the signs you put on your door. Some of them scream "Do Not Buy". These can include "don't touch", "no change", or "no soliciting". Any sign with a "no" is a barrier to the relationship you are trying to build. There are other ways to make these points. Treat customers as you would like to be treated.
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