Cell Phones in your store

[Evan Bertwell]

I had a woman in the shop earlier today who had arrived with her daughter to get some framing done. She came made some decisions but wanted her daughters input. The daughter, who I would say say was in her late 30's, was outside on the phone for about 20 minutes. Her mother didn't seem hurried by this and it wasn't like there was a line in the store. They were the only customers, the mother was patient and just looked at the different samples in the store while we kept her occupied with light conversation.
It did however get me to thinking.....What if she had taken a call while I was waiting on her and there were other people in the store in line behind her? Do you simply help the other person until she gets off the phone?
The area we are in is rural and we haven't yet had a "cell phone" issue arise. I'm sure allot of you have had this issue come up on many occasions and possibly have put into effect some cell phone policy.
Let me know how you guys handle this tricky situation without being rude.
Thanks, Evan

 

[Gregory K. Norris CPF]

So far, cell phones have been good for business. There is no waiting for spousal approval since they can snap a picture and text it., or call to check to see if the amount is ok.

Maybe it is the level of folks that I deal with, but so far anyone who has taken a call while here has immediately stepped outside. It has always been some issue where privacy mattered and was important enough to allow the interruption. If someone else is waiting, I just move on until they come back. I did have one memorable occasion when a customer took 3 calls while here, but that was in reference to the funeral that the framing was to be a part of. It wasn't a problem to me.

I might revisit this if it were to become a problem.

The only policy I want in my store involves making and more importantly keeping delighted customers.

 

[Kai Vanuffelen]

It seems to me, that after five minutes waiting for the customer to finish her phonecall, I can help another customer without asking the first customer who is busy. After all her phonecall appears more important than deciding upon her framing solution. When I am the only person in the shop and the phone rings while I am helping a customer, I let the phone ring and keep serving the customer. The customer was first, then the person on the line. They will call back later.

 

[Jim Miller MCPF GCF]

A lot of people consider cell phones and other personal distractions to be rude, but those things don't bother me much. If a customer wants to take a call while in my store, I usually just say I'm going in the back room to give them some privacy. They seem to appreciate that. I check on them every few minutes, but in the meantime, I do other things. Accommodating inconsiderate behavior is part of our customer service around here.