A store associate is helping one customer. When another customer comes to the counter, what should the associate do?

• A. Complete the current sale as quickly as possible.
• B. Call another associate to help the customer.
• C. Acknowledge the new customer, but complete the current transaction.
• D. Help the new customer after finishing the current customer's transaction.

Answer: (C)

Balancing courtesy with efficiency at a busy counter is the key. The best approach is to acknowledge the new customer as soon as they arrive and then finish the current transaction. A quick acknowledgment shows you’re aware someone is waiting and that you won’t ignore them, while you complete the sale you’re handling. Once that sale is done, you can greet the new customer and help them next. This approach keeps both customers feeling respected and keeps the line moving smoothly. Rushing the current customer without acknowledgment, or pulling in another associate without addressing the waiting person, or waiting to help the new customer after finishing the current task without acknowledgment all miss this balance.