The holidays can be a stressful time for both customers and customer service providers alike. Delivering good customer service is especially crucial during the holidays. The success of your company is dependent on YOU! If customer’s have an unpleasant experience with your business…they won’t come back, and if/when seasonal lay-offs happen you could be out of a job.

Working in retail customer service means you should never commit these customer service DON’TS:

Don’t let anyone enter without a warm smile and a friendly greeting – If you can’t…or won’t do that get out of this business.

Don’t complain about the Christmas music – It’s playing for the customers…not you.

Don’t come to work sick – ever! No one wants to share your misery or your germs.

Don’t say its ‘slow’ or ‘dead’ or voice negative thoughts – We get enough negativity from the media.

Don’t show frustration – your only job is to serve. Be patient…it’s not easy.

Don’t bring your problems to work– Your customer’s are not there to be your therapist.

Don’t arrive late because there was traffic – Of course there was traffic…it’s the holidays. Manage your time better.

Don’t just stand there like a victim of the zombie apocalypse – if the customer is having trouble making up their mind…help them! Ask questions to help them figure out what they want.

Don’t ask questions that can be answered with ‘yes’ or ‘no’ – Have an actual conversation…you work in retail…it means you get paid to talk.

Don’t walk past discarded paper, wrappings or coffee tumblers that the customer has left behind – pick it up and throw it away.

Don’t stand around looking bored – We really shouldn’t have to tell anyone this.

Don’t ask is there ‘anything else’ – suggest a service or product that naturally goes with what the customer has already chosen.

Don’t eat, drink or have personal conversations with another employee in front of customers – it’s just plain bad manners.

Don’t stink – Never smell of cigarettes or too much cologne – More scent does not mean you smell better. Show a little restraint.

Don’t disappear – no hiding in the backroom…you know who you are.

Don’t hover behind your customers – it’s really creepy.

Don’t dismiss or demean customers who have a problem – you’re a grown up and a professional. Fix it.

Don’t hide behind the counter – it is not a fort. Customers should not have to find you. Go get ‘em!