Final answer:
The first option should be to recommend a similar product, with the possibility of offering a discount to provide a swift and satisfying solution to the customer. Providing alternatives and handling the situation empathetically is key to maintaining customer satisfaction.
Step-by-step explanation:
When a customer is in need of a product that is not available in the store, the first option should generally be to recommend a different product that serves a similar purpose. This approach demonstrates attentiveness to the customer's needs and offers an immediate alternative. It is essential to provide options that can satisfy the customer's requirements as closely as possible to the original product they were seeking.
If an alternative product is available, offering a discount on that item could further incentivize the customer to make a purchase and enhance their overall satisfaction. It is important to handle the situation with empathy and professionalism, which means avoiding any insinuation that the customer should have planned better. Instead, providing solutions or suggesting other stores can be a last resort if the customer is not interested in alternative products within the store.