[shakespeare47]

walks into the small shop that you own, and basically criticizes your product in a condescending way, and asks uncomfortable questions, expecting a reply.

I've also had them tell me I don't know what I'm doing far as pricing. I've had some people tell me my prices are too high, and others that they are too low (LOL, I don't see how it could be both).

I've had people complain because they want me to do a job I just am not comfortable doing.....

The point is that some people can be exceedingly rude and I find it hard to know how to react in the heat of the moment. Some of them are trying very hard to get a reaction out of me.

Some of them even ask rude (or at least uncomfortable) questions point blank.

How do you respond?

[Open Eyes]

Hi shakesphere, I have owned my own business for over 25 years now and have learned that there are definitely "all kinds" of people out there, some of which can be surprisingly disrespectful and rude.

The most important thing to keep in mind is that you "know" your own product and what you need to sell it for in order to keep all the expenses of the business covered and actually earn a living. Many people who are on the buying end don't take into consideration all that really goes into having a business, all they focus on is the product and their end.

When in your situation where you have a product in a shop, you will come across those "tire kickers" that are a waste of time because they really don't have any intention of buying the product at all. Often the criticism is more about themselves which is basically convincing themselves "why" not to feel bad about not being able to afford the product.

Then there are individuals that actually "need to be sold" on a product too. If they talk about your product being over priced, sometimes what they are really doing is saying they need your convincing that if they do buy the product you are actually selling it at a good price and they won't have someone else tell them otherwise.

And there are individuals that are actually struggling with spending money on themselves and the struggle has nothing to do with you but more of a question of self worth.

Now, when individuals tell you your product is too high priced that can be more of a question than a negative comment. That is when you can show them how your product is actually priced right. Same thing with a customer saying it is under priced, again more of a question for you to explain why it is priced correctly compared to other products that are similar. These individuals are often looking for "confidence" in the product and the value of it as people "are" funny about parting with their money.

I think when selling a product, it's important that you yourself "like" the product and would want it for yourself. That is what my product is to me, which is why I have done pretty well with it all these years.

There are people that will never be happy no matter what, they will find a way to complain about anything. So, just know they exist and if they come in, just be pleasant with a knowing that these types are just out there and no one cares to deal with them.

[hvert]

"Thank you, that's an interesting thought." "Thank you for your feedback." "I see what you mean, thank you." I acknowledge that they've shared something, thank them, and do not engage any further if they are unreasonable and just trying to provoke me. If they are genuinely curious, that's a different matter.

[shakespeare47]

I work hard at becoming the most boring person alive when people try to get a reaction out of me. It seems to work.

[Open Eyes]

LOL shakesphere

[MetsAreTheBest]

I usually laugh stuff off or say a joke about it. I try not to let rude people under my skin.

[Dog on a Tree]

Indeed there are all sorts of people out there in the big wide world. Try your best to remain cool and calm. Never lower yourself to their level by reacting in a negative way or being angry. Remember, they have the problem, not you.

[Open Eyes]

You know shakesphere, think about the comedy skits you could create from these different kinds of "shoppers", people are "charectors", they really "are". Do you have survalence cameras? You could have quite the skit immitating these different customers.