Dear Miss Manners: I run a shop from my house. It’s mostly online, but occasionally I have customers make an appointment to visit “in store.” Many of them will just text “I’m here” from their parked cars and stay there, waiting for some kind of invitation by text.
I think this is stupid and rude. I am in my “shop,” waiting for a knock at the door. When I get a text like this, I have to go to my phone to see the message, then go to the front door, only to find that no one is there. Sometimes they see me open the door, but still wait for me to text back, “Come to the door.”
As a shop owner, it can be frustrating to deal with customers who don't adhere to traditional etiquette norms. It's important for customers to respect your time and space as a business owner. Here are some tips for handling this situation:
Set Clear Expectations
Make sure your customers understand your preferred method of communication and how you expect them to announce their arrival. You can include this information in your appointment confirmation emails or on your website.
Establish a Protocol
Consider creating a standard protocol for customer visits. For example, you can ask customers to ring a bell or knock on the door upon arrival. This will help streamline the process and avoid confusion.
Communicate Assertively
If a customer texts you that they have arrived without following your protocol, don't be afraid to politely remind them of your expectations. You can respond with a friendly message asking them to come to the door or ring the bell.
Provide Clear Signage
To avoid any confusion, consider putting up clear signage outside your shop indicating how customers should announce their arrival. This will help set expectations right from the start.
