[shakespeare47]

I own my own small business, I'm the only one here, and every once in a while, I get someone who comes in, and I can't help but get the sense that the only reason they are there is to waste my time.

How do I get rid of these people? Sometimes I think I'm too worried to cause offense, and other times I get down on myself for being mean to people.

Sometimes I feel like I'm letting them win by letting them bother me in the first place. Other times I regret not getting rid of them sooner, because they truly are just a waste of time.

I own my own business too and I know exactly what you mean. At the end of the day you really still have to treat them as potential customers or it reflects badly on your business. It takes a lot of patience to be self employed!

[shakespeare47]

One particular guy has been a repeat offender. I think the best way to deal with him is just to offer as little as possible in the way of encouragement, move really slowly and make him repeat himself many times.

Originally Posted by shakespeare47

One particular guy has been a repeat offender. I think the best way to deal with him is just to offer as little as possible in the way of encouragement, move really slow and make him repeat himself many times.

Ugh. So frustrating. We have one like that too who can call up to 5 times a day to get quotes for stuff he isn't going to buy.