Final answer:
A sales associate can assist a customer looking for an out-of-stock item by offering a similar alternative product, checking if the item can be ordered, suggesting other stores, and taking the customer's contact information for future notifications.
Step-by-step explanation:
In order to assist a customer who is looking for an item that is out of stock, a sales associate can employ the following strategies:
- Offer a similar alternative product: The sales associate can suggest a product that is similar in features or functionality to the item the customer is looking for.
- Check if the item can be ordered and provide an estimated delivery date: The sales associate can check if the item can be ordered from the supplier and inform the customer about the estimated delivery date.
- Suggest other stores where the item might be available: The sales associate can recommend other stores or online platforms where the customer might be able to find the desired item.
- Take the customer's contact information and notify them when the item is back in stock: The sales associate can request the customer's contact information and inform them as soon as the item becomes available again.