Problems at work

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I work in retail, as a computer tech, I don't mind fixing other peoples computers but I hate dealing with the customers they lie they try to get service cheaper or faster, or get free things, I have to sign in computers to do work on them anyways, my co-worker talked to me today talking about how I had got 1 customer so upset with me that they had to defend me from the customer. they've given me some suggestions, to improve, like get dressier clothes and ask the customer more questions while signing the computer in, I just feel like I don't belong but I'm trying to keep up with expectations of me,

but I find the job stressful enough without this extra stuff I'm even starting to think why bother when it comes to customers, I want to start wearing a suit and tie to build on the recommendations of my co-workers they didn't say that but I think it would looks good but if kinda dirty working on dust filled computers.

how can I feel more comfortable with the customers?

Hmm, I'm not sure if wearing a suit and tie would help in feeling comfortable with customers. The boss should have stepped in and dealt with the customer if they were threatening you. Some people are just very stroppy and demanding and probably would have given anybody a hard time.

Personally, if I took my computer in to be fixed, I would like to deal with somebody who was friendly but not to the point where it became syrupy and it wouldn't matter if they didn't wear a suit or tie as long as they were clean and reasonably neat.

I'd like to know that the person was not going to patronise me because I'm a female and that they would be prepared to listen to what I had to say. Some other people I know have said much the same thing.

We don't tend to like getting the hard sell or promises to have something fixed at a particular time if the promises fall through. We'd rather be told "about a week" rather than "we'll definitely have it ready by next Wednesday" (unless that really happens)

The number one thing would be not being treated condescendingly because I'm a female and not really young anymore and not a real computer expert. I want to learn more but it is a process that will take time.

I work in a repair shop.



You must ask questions, because often the customer cannot explain the problem so you have to guest it with your questions. And if he don't like your questions, let him know that you do that to save time and money for him.

Ex: It happened several time that they said my hard drive is defective and it wasn't the HD it was another thing.

Ex: My internet doesn't work, the problem was Quicktime was missing ...

Ex: My internet doesn't work, he add a phone and he didn't put the filter (DSL) ...

Ex: My network card is defective, he didn't have an internet account at all ...




Where I work it happened at least one time for each technician (even the boss) that somebody was upset.

Working with public is sometime complicated, I learned to use some kind of psychology to deal with some of them.

You must adjust your technic (I don't know how to say that in english) while you see how the customer react while talking with him.


Show them that you care about them not just their computers, give them some advice on things that they didn't asked you, if you think that it can help them.

You must show them that you control the situation and you know what you're talking about even if you find that very difficult. Some day I see that as a game and I must win the more I can if I want to keep my job.

So we can better respond to your questions on these forums, you will need to improve your punctuation.

If customers are trying to get what's cheaper, faster, and free, then they are smart consumers; you can't blame them for that. However, outside of the possibility that they could have simply been mistaken or vague, if they lie in their attempts, they are also dishonest, which is blameful to an extent. You could simply ignore the lying, or you could clarify things so the customer is aware you are aware that they are lying (if they are lying). Whatever you do, don't appear to be uncooperative, although if the customer you encounter becomes visibly irate that he can't get discount x, for instance, this hothead type personality you should refer to another clerk or a manager.

I hated any jobs where I had to deal with customers on a daily basis. Other people noticed this. I didn't make much eye contact, and I basically got sick of people. I feel for you. Next job I have, I won't be talking to customers.

It's always harder to talk to customers if you have to give them bad news. There should always be a fall back position when a customer becomes really irate: usually the manager or a more senior officer should deal with these people. After all, they are being paid more for the extra responsibility they have.

The more you deal with, the more you will feel comfortable with them.

Here is a hint: The people who stay at my hotel, they are rich white men who pay $189 a night for a room. When they are paying this rate, they like to be right about everything. These people are hard to please, because they know I am some measly night auditor. But they will listen, and argue less if they feel YOU are listening to what THEY are saying. Don't interupt, ever. Wait until they are done talking to respond.

The most key thing is to be confident. Don't start your sentences by saying "well....", "let's see here....", or anything that shows you are unconfident.

Even if you are not really sure if what you are telling them is 100% right. Make it sound like you are absolutely sure. (This is really important when telling customers things they don't want to hear).

Hope this helps.