Final answer:
The salesperson should prioritize the in-store customer while briefly acknowledging the caller by asking them to hold or offering to call back, thereby ensuring both parties feel valued and maintaining a high standard of customer service.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a salesperson is closing a sale with a customer and the store phone rings, the salesperson should maintain a professional appearance and treat the customer with respect by focusing on the task at hand. It is important to demonstrate commitment to excellent customer service, hence the salesperson should politely excuse themselves, if necessary, to briefly acknowledge the call. For example, they might say, "Excuse me for just a moment," answer the phone, and quickly ask the caller to hold or offer to call them back. This ensures that the customer in the store feels prioritized and receives personal attention, while the caller knows that their call is also important and will be attended to promptly.
It is crucial to demonstrate a positive attitude and enthusiasm while balancing the need to respect the authority of their manager, who may have specific instructions for handling such situations. Additionally, it is imperative to return promptly to the customer to finalize the sale, ensuring that customer service quality does not suffer. The overall goal is to create a supportive environment that respects both the in-person customer and the caller, aligning with the company's goals for excellent customer service.