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Face it! - Merchandising 101

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  Ensuring your products are seen by your customers is a no-brainer, right? So why then do so many places ignore the basics of merchandising? Let me tell you a short story. We all know about impulse buying at the tills. I myself am a sucker for the impulse buy, and because I know this about myself I take my time shopping, especially in a new store. I once had a job doing customer service at a very rugged store that specialized in mowers, tractors and chainsaws. It wasn’t the best place for impulse buying and was set up for fast service. I asked if I could place a few items facing where people would be lined up waiting for the parts person. I placed a kiddie tractor that was a replica of the full-sized one on a shelf behind the service desk at about eye level. I also moved some more toys and collectibles to higher shelves (adult eye-level) near their full-sized working versions. Guess what? The people who came into the store for one specific purpose, purchase or service of a rugg...
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If You’re too Hot, They will Trot – Room temperature for businesses

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  Every business has issues with heat balance. If you are in an office, there are always those folks who insist it is too cold. I am always on the other side as I find most spaces too hot. This general issue is because the adherence to standard room temperature (20C; and yes you can look it up online) is often ignored these days. I admit that 20C is too warm for me and I will often be in a short-sleeved top but that is my prerogative. When it is too warm for someone, they often cannot think clearly and may even have issues breathing or maintaining consciousness in extreme cases. This is never the case when someone finds a location too cool. They may have difficulty with their circulation but that is easily remedied with movement exercises or an extra layer of clothing. I often find it funny that those same people complaining of the “cold” in a workplace will be outside wearing shorts and a tee at 15C. But how does heating affect customers in a retail setting? Let’s say that yo...
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Show Me the Money - Cash Customers

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  As a business owner you know there are charges for every online transaction, credit or debit or e-transfer; but not for cash. Because of this, most savvy businesses encourage cash from their customers and there are a number of people who greatly appreciate the ability to pay for purchases this way. To name a few examples: they may be watching their spending or adhering to a strict budget, they could be hiding a purchase that is a gift from a loved one, or they could be simply a customer without credit for any number of reasons. Anyway, for many people, cash is king. When a customer offers cash at the till, how do you and your staff respond? I have seen many people take my cash and put it directly in their till before giving me change. Actually, very often I have had the experience of my cash disappearing from my view while purchases are being bagged and change is being made. What is the issue with this? The cash customer, due to a busy schedule or basic confusion or expectation...
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Stop Stinking up the Joint - Scent in the Workplace

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Think you don’t stink? If there are any scented products or scented individuals (perfumes, laundry “enhancers”, scented lotions, etc.) in your workspace, you best remove or sequester them if you want to make the right impression on customers. Stinky isn’t what any business wants to be considered. In other words...smell doesn't always sell. There are many studies to suggest that certain scents, like citrus or mint, are beneficial for work activities. These studies are too general and leave out the very real psychological impact scent can have on an individual. You and I are never fully aware of another person’s history. What smells wonderful to you and evokes lovely memories can easily be the trigger for another person’s horrible memory. Maybe you love the smell of roses (a strong allergen for many people) and this gives you memories of your childhood garden. That same rose scent could remind someone of a hospital room and a suffering loved one. You see, we never know what is goi...
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About Xen Advice

 Welcome to Xen Advice! Mission: Xen Advice helps businesses achieve stronger, supportive relationships with their customers by delivering objective, real-world, actionable options. We provide insights from a user-based viewpoint that guides businesses to reshape, adjust &/or rebuild for enhanced customer satisfaction.   Whether your business is small or not-so-small, your customers are your greatest asset. Their opinions can also be your biggest stumbling block. Because you need to ensure your customers are happy, Xen Advice is here to assist you in making your customers your biggest supporters. With 40+ years of experience in a huge array of business settings, we offer a variety of options to help you guide your customers to have the best experience they can. Firstly, if you are having difficulties responding to online comments or reviews, we can help. The adage that all exposure for a business is good, can be true if you respond to online commentary every time and wi...
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