A customer is looking into purchasing a new sofa and has decided upon a particular style, but it is only available in white. The customer says, I really like the clean look of a white sofa, but I'm afraid it will be quickly soiled by my children and dogs. Which response helps the customer make a good decision?

• A. "Do you have another sofa that children and the dog could use?"
• B. "If it gets dirty, you can always buy a slip cover!"
• C. "May I show you some of the washable slip covers available for the sofa?"
• D. "Perhaps you should consider other sofas that won't show soils so easily."

Answer: (C)

Offering a practical solution that preserves the customer's preferred look while addressing a real concern is essential. When a customer loves a white sofa but worries about dirt from kids and a dog, the strongest response is to propose a concrete option that makes maintenance easy without sacrificing aesthetics. Saying, “May I show you some of the washable slip covers available for the sofa?” does exactly that. It acknowledges the concern, keeps the white look achievable, and provides an actionable path—slip covers you can remove and wash—which helps the customer feel confident about the purchase.

This approach also demonstrates product knowledge and a collaborative mindset, inviting the customer to explore a solution rather than shifting away from their preference or waiting to deal with stains only after they appear. It’s proactive and customer-centered.

Other responses steer away from the goal or offer only reactive fixes, such as suggesting not to use the sofa at all, waiting until it’s dirty, or recommending abandoning the color altogether. They don’t provide an immediate way to maintain the desired style, which is why they’re less effective in helping the customer make a good decision.