Tell me about a time when you had to build a relationship with a customer or client to increase sales or achieve a business goal.
Why This Is Asked
The employer wants to see if you can proactively build relationships with retail clients, a key part of the field commercial role where you'll visit outlets and need to grow sales through rapport.
General Approach
Use a specific past experience, even from school or family business, and structure it with the STAR method. Emphasize actions that show listening, personalization, and follow-through.
Sample STAR Answer▾
Situation
While working part-time at our family's convenience store, I noticed a regular customer who always bought the same brand of cigarettes but rarely tried other products.
Task
I wanted to build a stronger relationship with him to understand his preferences better and suggest additional items he might like, ultimately increasing his average purchase.
Action
I greeted him by name each time he came in, asked about his day, and remembered that he owned a small carinderia nearby. I casually mentioned that we had new affordable snack items that might pair well with his usual cigarette purchase. I offered him a small free sample of a new biscuit we were promoting and explained how other carinderia owners found it popular as a side item. Over the next few visits, I followed up, asking if he tried it and if his customers liked it.
Result
He began including the biscuits in his regular purchase, and his average spend per visit increased by about 20%. He also started asking me for recommendations, and I learned more about his business needs, which helped me suggest other relevant products.
Attempt Your Answer
Write your own answer, then get instant AI feedback graded against:
- •STAR Structure
- •Specificity & Numbers
- •Ownership Language
- •PH Workplace Context
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