Many individuals experience a certain level of stress when shopping for a product or service. As human beings we often find ourselves doing things at the last moment (gift or food shopping, house cleaning, renovations, food preparations etc.), doing more than is necessary. Panic often sets in when purchasing things at the last moment.

As you go about your shopping it is very important to remember to be a mindful consumer. In your haste, you may be tempted to forget your manners and become a little short tempered if you are not served as efficiently or as politely as you would like. Take a short, deep breath, stop and think, and be respectful of the person who is serving you. With a little patience and consideration you may be able to turn someone’s day around by passing on your positive attitude and smile. Please consider these:

• TREAT THE SERVER AS YOU WOULD EXPECT TO BE TREATED YOURSELF Greet the server with respect and cordialness. Keep in tune and in control of your feelings and those of others.

• SPEAK CLEARLY, CALMLY, AND POLITELY- Should you have an issue that needs addressing you will have more success by using tact. By clearly, calmly and politely stating your case, you will be able to open the dialogue and start your dealing. Make sure you are talking to the right person....e.g. manager, owner. You want to speak with the person who has the power to settle your concerns. This will save time and energy.
• COME TO THE POINT IN A TIMELY FASHION - Always remember time is a very important commodity...to you and to the business you are dealing with.
• LISTEN AND HEAR. Once you have let the server know your needs - be prepared to listen and hear what is being said. It may be something as simple as the clerk explaining a return policy. If you do not listen or hear the terms, it may just come back to haunt you in the future. How many times do you assume things and often times it is just not so? Never be afraid to ask questions that is how we learn. I often say that I am "president of the dummy’s club". This has afforded me the opportunity to learn much while taping into a little humour.  
• NEVER ASSUME - ASK QUESTIONS AND FOR ASSISTANCE
• BE AWARE OF YOUR BODY LANGUAGE, VOICE, AND FACIAL/ARM & HAND EXPRESSIONS - People are very intelligent...they are able to read how you are feeling, just by your posture and tone of voice. You can tell if someone is upset, happy or indifferent. This can be a valuable observations when dealing with people.
• BE FLEXIBLE AND UNDERSTANDING - HUMAN FACTOR - As humans we are not perfect! Therefore don’t expect others to be. Often there is an explanation why things are not as they should be. Be prepared to listen and hear.
• NEVER BE CONFRONTATIONAL OR RUDE - CALM DOWN AND PRESENT IN A RESPONSIBLE WAY- By being confrontational or rude you will set the tone for a defensive reaction from the server and yourself. More will be accomplished if you make your point calmly, clearly and concisely
• BE CONSIDERATE OF OTHER PEOPLE IN THE SPACE (EAR DISTANCE) Other people do not want to hear your business. They have business of their own to conduct.
• REMEMBER TO SAY THANK YOU, PLEASE, and COMPLEMENT ETC.            These tips are useful any time...Practice makes perfect and will assist you in being totally-you.

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