4 answers
Kylah
Student
Escondido, California
1
Question
Updated
420 views
How would you approach a client or customer who knows that they want something but they are also not sure what they exactly want?
Thank you so much if you have an answer!
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4 answers
Mona Ahmadi
Art Instructor, Artist
23
Answers
Vienna, Virginia
Updated
Mona’s Answer
Hello Kylah,
This is a very interesting topic. The best way to approach an unsure client is by listening actively to what they say and ask. Also, by increasing your knowledge about your offers beforehand, you can provide answers and solve potential problems related to what you offer even if they don't directly ask for it or don't even know what to ask, so you can help them make the best decision.
We are all bombarded on a daily bases by thousands of offers and products via different media, which can lead us to become uncertain and confused about our product choices: their price, their quality, their usability, or their compatibility. Therefore creating clarity and providing valuable information in a very competitive market has become the seller's job.
These are some tips on what you can do as a seller to help unassured customers:
First, get to know your offered products very well. Learn about everything there is to learn to have a good idea of what each product does, how it functions, its limits and potentials, its weak point, etc.
Run a comprehensive search on the type of customers interested in these types of products: learn who the targeted audience is and what your product can do for them. Run a survey or search online, or read every feedback you can find on previous purchases or similar products your competitors offer.
Then make a list of the problems or complaints that the previous customers had using these products: they are too expensive, they don't last long, they don't function well, etc. Then think of ways or solutions you can offer if a customer mentions them.
Research the competitor and see what they offer: what is their customer service, what prices or discounts they offer, and whether they have a guarantee or return policy? Etc.
Make a list of other products that might go well with your offers, even if you don't sell those. Write down a creative list of ideas on how your offers can benefit your clients, then practice on some exciting scenarios and occasions that your products can be used to give your customers an interesting mental image.
Practice your conversational skills. Listening actively and correctly to what people say can help you figure out what they need, even though they might not be sure about them. Learn to make polite, pleasant small talk regarding helping your customer. So when they ask for it, give them everything you gathered so far in a summarized way so they can make a decision.
Everybody appreciates honesty and can detect a less honest discussion very fast. Always be honest about what you offer, talk about the positive points and the negative points, and make a list that compares your prproductsith other competitors so you can help your customers choose better while; at the same time, you will tell them about the value of your offer and why it can be a good choice for them.
Make an effort to exhibit your products in various arrangements or displays so your clients can better imagine the final display of what they buy from you in their house. Not everybody has a photographic memory or good imagination, so help them with digital rendering, photoshop pics, etc., so they can understand the product disposition better.
Customer Service, Customer Service, Customer Service.
They might not know what exactly it is that they want to choose between all these offers available, so try to help them choose, this way even if these people do not make a purchase that time, they will probably return another time because they learn that as much you are trying to make a sell, you also care about their needs and benefits.
For example, I'm an artist. When someone comes to my studio and wants to buy my artwork, they do not usually have anything particular in mind, so I ask some questions: what colors and styles do they prefer? What is the design and style of their home, or if the art piece will be used in another environment? Etc.
Then based on the info I gathered, I show them some of the works that might be suited to their needs and also provide lots of pictures of my work hanging in different interior designs and ambient to give them some ideas, and I make sure to give them lots of information about the work, it's maintenance, the types of customer services I can provide, etc.
These are some interesting articles I found about this topic. I hope they will be helpful to you:
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/10-ways-to-speak-to-customers-who-dont-know-they-need-you
https://hbr.org/2011/12/know-what-your-customers-want-before-they-do
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/understand-the-customer-needs
Best of luck.
This is a very interesting topic. The best way to approach an unsure client is by listening actively to what they say and ask. Also, by increasing your knowledge about your offers beforehand, you can provide answers and solve potential problems related to what you offer even if they don't directly ask for it or don't even know what to ask, so you can help them make the best decision.
We are all bombarded on a daily bases by thousands of offers and products via different media, which can lead us to become uncertain and confused about our product choices: their price, their quality, their usability, or their compatibility. Therefore creating clarity and providing valuable information in a very competitive market has become the seller's job.
These are some tips on what you can do as a seller to help unassured customers:
First, get to know your offered products very well. Learn about everything there is to learn to have a good idea of what each product does, how it functions, its limits and potentials, its weak point, etc.
Run a comprehensive search on the type of customers interested in these types of products: learn who the targeted audience is and what your product can do for them. Run a survey or search online, or read every feedback you can find on previous purchases or similar products your competitors offer.
Then make a list of the problems or complaints that the previous customers had using these products: they are too expensive, they don't last long, they don't function well, etc. Then think of ways or solutions you can offer if a customer mentions them.
Research the competitor and see what they offer: what is their customer service, what prices or discounts they offer, and whether they have a guarantee or return policy? Etc.
Make a list of other products that might go well with your offers, even if you don't sell those. Write down a creative list of ideas on how your offers can benefit your clients, then practice on some exciting scenarios and occasions that your products can be used to give your customers an interesting mental image.
Practice your conversational skills. Listening actively and correctly to what people say can help you figure out what they need, even though they might not be sure about them. Learn to make polite, pleasant small talk regarding helping your customer. So when they ask for it, give them everything you gathered so far in a summarized way so they can make a decision.
Everybody appreciates honesty and can detect a less honest discussion very fast. Always be honest about what you offer, talk about the positive points and the negative points, and make a list that compares your prproductsith other competitors so you can help your customers choose better while; at the same time, you will tell them about the value of your offer and why it can be a good choice for them.
Make an effort to exhibit your products in various arrangements or displays so your clients can better imagine the final display of what they buy from you in their house. Not everybody has a photographic memory or good imagination, so help them with digital rendering, photoshop pics, etc., so they can understand the product disposition better.
Customer Service, Customer Service, Customer Service.
They might not know what exactly it is that they want to choose between all these offers available, so try to help them choose, this way even if these people do not make a purchase that time, they will probably return another time because they learn that as much you are trying to make a sell, you also care about their needs and benefits.
For example, I'm an artist. When someone comes to my studio and wants to buy my artwork, they do not usually have anything particular in mind, so I ask some questions: what colors and styles do they prefer? What is the design and style of their home, or if the art piece will be used in another environment? Etc.
Then based on the info I gathered, I show them some of the works that might be suited to their needs and also provide lots of pictures of my work hanging in different interior designs and ambient to give them some ideas, and I make sure to give them lots of information about the work, it's maintenance, the types of customer services I can provide, etc.
These are some interesting articles I found about this topic. I hope they will be helpful to you:
https://blog.hubspot.com/marketing/10-ways-to-speak-to-customers-who-dont-know-they-need-you
https://hbr.org/2011/12/know-what-your-customers-want-before-they-do
https://www.indeed.com/career-advice/career-development/understand-the-customer-needs
Best of luck.
Catherine Lehman
1
Answer
Updated
Catherine’s Answer
When storyboarding, you are often sent a script or at the very least, an outline of of what you will be discussing with your client. I have worked mainly with directors for television series and some for feature films. Try to be as prepared as you can and if at all possible read the script so you are familiar with the story and scenes you will be discussing (asking for specific scenes when you are sent the script is not always possible, but ask anyway as it is helpful to be able to concentrate on them after reading through). If it is a running series, i try to watch a couple of episodes to get a feel for how it is filmed and what the characters look like - this is a personal thing that helps me feel more prepared - again, not always possible and that is ok too.
Often storyboarding happens fast. You are called to meet with the director the next day or even the same day. Be flexible. Have a kit ready to go.
When meeting, bring samples of your work incase they are asked for.
Listen very carefully to what is being discussed and make notes.
Sketch along in thumbnails until you are finished discussing the scene.
This is your option to ask questions for more clarification of type of shots wanted by the director eg. close up, wide, how many characters, angle and camera movement.
Catherine recommends the following next steps:
Karen Kitchel
Community Volunteer
275
Answers
Saint Paul, Minnesota
Updated
Karen’s Answer
Brainstorm with them -- simply give them a couple suggestions and see if you're in the ballpark of what they might want. Best if you can show them possibilities.
With every good wish!
With every good wish!
Alanda Davis
Interior Designer & Apparel Designer
6
Answers
Phoenix, Arizona
Updated
Alanda’s Answer
If your clients are unsure of their preferences, initiate the design process by asking them to select three colors they are fond of. To spark inspiration, introduce them to the "Houzz" app where they can explore various design ideas and options. You can also present them with examples of your past work that might align with their taste. Continue to offer them a variety of options until they find a design they resonate with. Additionally, you could utilize home decor magazines as a source of ideas. Please let me know if these suggestions prove beneficial. One last bit of advice, which should be the first question to your client - "what is it's purpose?" "what will it be used for?"
This will help the both of you in the decision making process. It will give you both more clarity.
This will help the both of you in the decision making process. It will give you both more clarity.