Tip of the week: Learn from the customers who said no

Every lost sale carries a lesson, but only if you ask. A quick, kind question can reveal problems you never noticed: price, quality, delay or a poor first impression.

When a customer decides not to buy, say: "Thank you for visiting. May I ask what would have made you decide to buy today? It helps us improve." Do it gently, never like an interrogation.

Keep a short list of reasons. After two weeks you will see patterns, such as "price too high compared with the market stall", "wanted a different colour", "not sure about delivery".

Then act on the most common reason. If many want a certain colour, stock it. If price is the issue, explore cheaper supply or smaller packs. If trust is the issue, show proof, like photos of previous work.

A salon in Dodoma may learn that clients leave because the waiting time is unclear, and begin to use appointments.

This week: ask every person who leaves without buying for one reason, and write it down.