Final answer:
When encountering a difficult customer, a sales associate should seek assistance from a supervisor or manager, offer alternative solutions, or apologize and try to resolve the issue.
Step-by-step explanation:
What should the sales associate do?
When encountering a difficult customer and unable to satisfy their needs, the sales associate should take the following actions:
Seek assistance from a supervisor or manager: If the sales associate is unable to resolve the customer's issue, it is important to involve a higher authority who may be better equipped to handle the situation.
Offer alternative solutions to the customer: If the sales associate cannot fulfill the customer's initial request, they should try to provide alternative options that may still meet the customer's needs.
Apologize to the customer and try to resolve the issue: Regardless of the outcome, it is essential for the sales associate to apologize to the customer for any inconvenience caused and make a genuine effort to find a solution.
By following these steps, the sales associate can demonstrate professionalism, empathy, and a commitment to customer satisfaction.