Your cart is currently empty!

Steven Coulson
Steven has been drinking beers, wines and spirits for decades and has a propensity to go about them at length after a few drinks.
Latest Posts
- My wife found out our favorite Gin for martinis was discontinued. I think we are good for a while…
- Oregon Road Trip: Freeland Spirits Garden Botanicals Gin
- Botanist with Trader Joe’s Lemon and Elderflower Soda
- I’m one of the worlds leading buyers of craft gin in the world and a international spirit judge AMA
- I’m blown away…. By how let down I am by this Gin.
Categories
Tags
Social Links

Did I Meet the Challenge? A Customer’s Unexpected Choice
Recently, I had an interesting encounter at my store that made me reflect on customer service and the choices we offer. A customer came in with a straightforward request: they were looking for a Four Loko. After a brief search through our inventory, it seemed like a straightforward task. However, five minutes later, the customer left with something entirely unexpected.
This situation left me pondering whether I had done a good job in guiding their choice. While they didn’t get exactly what they initially wanted, I believe that sometimes, the objective is not just to fulfill a request but also to provide alternatives that cater to the customer’s taste or mood.
In the retail world, particularly in the beverage industry, being adaptable to customers’ needs can often lead to surprising outcomes. Whether you’ve encountered a similar experience or have your own stories to share, every interaction presents an opportunity to expand our understanding of what we bring to the table.
So, did I do a good job? In reflecting on this, I think the answer lies in the customer’s overall satisfaction with their final purchase. Ultimately, it’s about creating a positive experience that keeps them coming back, even if it meant stepping out of their original choice.
Have you ever had a moment where you felt you guided a customer in a surprising direction? I’d love to hear your experiences and thoughts on navigating customer preferences in retail!