Save random receipts (not just from your till)


Use a program to mask your IP address and change it between surveys


Take the customer connection surveys yourself


Use positive reviews on google for other stores and change them somewhat


Compliment yourself, your coworkers, your store manager


Realize this shit doesn’t fucking matter one bit in the grand scheme of things


Go to college / stay in college



Find a better job

compliments! ask about how they are, listen to them, and respond with a real response. ask if they have any plans for the weekend or the holidays coming up

It sounds obvious but start training yourself to actively notice (as much as you can) things you like about the customer, like how they style their hair, their sweater, glasses, nails, if their drink sounds interesting and like something you'd like to try, etc.

When you get in the habit of looking for stuff like that to compliment them on it seems (and *is*) way more genuine than it when you just think to yourself oh shit, CONNECTIONS!

My first store was huge on customer connection, so I get it. Haha. Also, here's a thought: if your scores are low, it may take a while to show customers you want to connect with them better. They're probabky not expecting connections, so they shut it down. You can always try something like "I've seen you come through here a lot, and I've realized I don't really know you! I'd like to change that." And then go from there.

I do a lot of small talk, but it's all based on them. Meaning im asking about them. I'll ask how they are, how's your day going? Are you on your way to work? Where do you work? How long have you been working there? It sounds interesting! How did you decide on that line of work?
If it's a weekend, I'll ask if they have plans. If they don't, I'll.clmmeng about how that's nice sometimes.

As far as complimenting, I'll say I like their shirt or earrings, hairstyle, etc.

I usually don't get through all that before they have their order. I like to end the interaction with something that correlates with whT I've learned to show I've been listening. Like if they have a birthday party this weekend, I'll say somethjbg like "well have fun at the party this weekend!" Or if they're a teacher: "hope the kiddos are good for you today!" Stuff like that. It can feel weird and uncomfortable at first hit the more you do it, the more comfortable it'll feel.

My store is a drive-thru only store and we have been having trouble with this as well. We started putting up questions like they do in some cafe stores, like cats vs dogs, iPhone versus android, Harry Potter vs lord of the flies, etc. It's a good way to start a conversation with that customer who never wants to talk. "Hi how are you doing today?" "No, thank you" "Well we're taking a vote today peace on earth or piece of cake which one would you prefer..." Something like that. Good convo started and something they remember. we even had some that were like would you rather get $50 a day and have to spend it or $25 a day but be able to save it.

Also, I'm in Seattle so when it's raining pretty badly (or there's a freak hail storm like we had yesterday that had everyone freaking out) I like to tell people to drive safely :)

I love talking asking about what shows they're watching or what music they're listening to! I've found some great recommendations that way!