We have always been taught to put the customer first and even live by the saying –“the customer is always right.” If you have been in business long enough, you realize that this may not always be true for every customer. The truth is that some customers may not be a “good fit” for you.
When a customer contacts you, it is your job to listen to their needs and educate them as to how you can provide a solution to their needs. During this initial communication, it is important for you to evaluate if this customer is the right fit for your company.
Treat this initial conversation like a job interview, and be aware of “red flags” that may be triggered that a customer may not be the best fit for your team. Here are three of the most common behaviors that signal it may be time to say no:
Sometimes the thought of turning a customer away seems like self-sabotage, but you must keep in mind that in the long run, a troublesome customer can drain your resources and tarnish your reputation. Look out for warning signs and think twice before beginning a relationship with a potentially difficult customer.
