Are you telling your customers the glass is half empty?

I came across an article today that was so profound, I had to share it.  To recap the message, the article poses the question of negativity behind the simple phrase "Out of Stock".  Did your mouth just make a frowny face reading those words?  And, when applied to your own store, what impression does the customer have about you?  Not, the original manufacture, what about you?

By simple wordsmithing the negativity can be pushed aside.  Restating the issue as "Shipping Nov. 15" or "Pre-order Now" can shift the disappointment to anticipation.  You've given the customer time expectations.  You could even offer a substitute at a reduced price or a pre-order service with an additional bonus for those who wait. 

It's all in how you phrase it.  Now that this article has opened my eyes, I can't wait to find more examples of how we can communicate that the glass is really half full and the drink is delicious!

Read the complete article at:

Reframe a supply problem to build anticipation at the The Globe and Mail (Toronto)