Final answer:
Asking open-ended questions allows a sales associate to gather detailed information and preferences from the customer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Asking open-ended questions allows a sales associate to gather detailed information and preferences for the customer. Open-ended questions encourage the customer to provide more in-depth and personalized responses, allowing the sales associate to gain a deeper understanding of the customer's needs, wants, and preferences. This enables the sales associate to tailor their approach and offer personalized solutions that best meet the customer's requirements.