Final answer:
To ensure everyone in a party feels attended to while shopping, the best practice is engaging with each member individually. This approach fosters a hospitable environment, values all customers, and can lead to better business outcomes.
Step-by-step explanation:
If a customer is not shopping alone, the best practice for inclusive and attentive customer service is Option 2: Engaging with each member individually to ensure that everyone in the party feels attended to. By acknowledging each person, you create a welcoming environment and demonstrate that the business values all customers. It is especially important to make all guests feel included as their collective decision-making may influence the primary customer's choices. Although it might increase transaction costs in terms of time and effort, it ultimately enhances the customer experience and can lead to better outcomes for both the customers and the business.
Furthermore, by engaging with each member of the group, you gather more information that can help you recommend products or services that cater to the entire group's preferences. This approach aligns with the idea that when making decisions as part of a group, considering both individual and collective interests leads to more satisfactory outcomes for everyone involved, as showcased in scenarios like ordering pizza for friends. Being adaptable and willing to facilitate group discussions reflects a high level of customer service and can lead to higher customer satisfaction.