I do not shop too often, but when I do, I like to know I will be taken care of in one way or another. So, to make things easier, I have listed some do's and don'ts in trying to get my business (and the business of other women like me):
DO ask how I'm doing. Be pleasant with me. We don't have to start a relationship or anything, but I do like to know that you are there if I need you.
DON'T follow me around unless I ask you to. That's creepy.
DO make sure you ask all of the right people all of the right questions before making the transaction. If I ask you if I can order an item to look at without paying for it first, make sure I can do that before you charge my credit card.
DON'T drive like a maniac and cut people off in traffic if you have your business name and phone number listed on the outside of your vehicle. That says something about you and how you do business. I now know who NOT to do business with.
DO try to get to know me first before you try to sell me something if we are networking. Let's get acquainted and build some trust first before moving on to business. If we don't, it will be an automatic "no, thank you".
DON'T push additional product on me. I know what I need. If I want it, I'll buy it.
DO make sure your business establishment and everything in it is clean. If it's a restaurant and we find our silverware and glasses along with the floor, table, and chairs are dirty, we will leave and won't come back.
DON'T ask me if this will be on my "your store's name" credit card or if I have "your store's name" discount card every time I make a purchase. Once in awhile is ok, but I get tired of saying "no" all the time. Hey, I go there often enough that you should know that I don't want "your store's name" credit card.
These are just a few tips for getting my business. My guess is that as time goes on, there will be more. In the meantime, I think I'll go shopping.