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What to Say to That Rude or Abusive Customer at Your Print Business

At least you’re giving them a choice.

Published

6 months ago

May 11, 2025

Big Picture Staff BIG PICTURE MAY-JUNE 2025

PHOTO: ISTOCKPHOTO

“If you are going to continue to swear …”

If you need to set limits to rude or abusive customer behavior, say this: “If you are going to continue to swear, I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” or “I’m going to have to end this phone conversation.”

WHY? In order to help the customer (and keep your sanity) you must encourage the customer to stop the inappropriate or destructive behavior: raising his voice, swearing, etc. By framing it as a choice, the consequence seems less like something the employee does to the customer.

SOURCE: Perfect Phrases for Customer Service by Robert Bacal

Related Topics:customer service Featured sales

Big Picture Staff

Big Picture magazine has been serving wide-format printing professionals for more than 25 years, providing business-specific content to help boost bottom lines through its industry-leading magazine, website, email bulletins, Brain Squad and social media channels.

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