The 5 second rule with returns actually worked on a $200 blender

I work retail at an electronics store and everyone says to never let a customer leave without checking the return policy. But I had this guy trying to return a blender he bought 8 months ago, way past our 30 day window. Instead of saying no right away, I just paused for 5 seconds and looked at the blender like I was thinking about it. He immediately offered to take store credit instead of cash, which our system can do for old items. I grabbed a manager who approved it on the spot because the guy was calm about it. Has anyone else tried just waiting silently when a customer asks for something unreasonable?

3 comments

3 Comments

ward.jamie15d ago

I actually pulled the five second rule on a guy trying to return a half-eaten bag of dog food at my old pet store job. He stared at me, I stared at the bag, and after like four seconds he goes "okay fine what if I just take a different brand?" Worked like a charm, and I didn't even need a manager. Now I use it on my girlfriend when she asks where I want to eat, but that one backfires since she just picks the place herself after I go quiet.

theac6315d ago

Gotta say that's more of the 10 second rule in practice not the 5 second one, you let him sit there way too long lol.

sageadams15d ago

Got to disagree, the four seconds of silence is way more awkward than if he just said no right away.