A child sees an $800 puppy at the pet shop and asks to buy it. What should the associate say or do NEXT?

• A. Ask the child if he is sure that he really wants such a big dog.
• B. Smile at the child and ask the mother about her preferences and budget.
• C. Say I know this dog is expensive, but it will be a perfect family dog.
• D. Smile at the child and say You really picked out the perfect puppy, didn't you?

Answer: (B)

In customer service, when a child asks to buy a high-priced item, the best approach is to involve the parent and assess the family’s needs and budget. Smiling at the child and directing the conversation to the mother to discuss preferences and budget shows respect for who has purchasing authority and helps ensure a responsible decision for the family. It invites the guardian into the conversation, clarifies what the family is looking for, and checks whether the price fits their finances and lifestyle. This also avoids pressuring the child or making assumptions about who should buy or what they can afford. The other responses either bypass the parent, pressure or flatter the child without considering the family’s constraints, or push an unnecessary purchase.