You know I’m a bear about never saying NO or YOU CAN’T or WE DON’T or YOU MUST. So I am always on the lookout for nicer ways to say things. Luckily I had my camera with me this day:
“Please resist the urge to sit.”
I love the wording’s acknowledgment of how tempting their merchandise is… that you would have to RESIST the urge. Adds to the perceived value of this couch! (Not to mention, it’s different from those “real” stores who cannot think past DO NOT SIT. Courteous and motivating signage sets your shop out from the Dreaded Sea of Sameness that is retail today.)
What are your favorite ways to word what might be a negative message? Click on comments and let’s hear how polite and business-savvy your shop is!
Photo taken during Conference Bus Tour at Consignment Solutions.
Auntie Kate The Resale Expert 
How does one say “keep your kid from destroying my shop, thanks!”??? I had the worst experience ever with a kid last Sunday! Haha
“Oh my, Ms. Clueless, your child is in danger of disfigurement and dismemberment. Disfigurement by accident, and dismemberment by me, if you do not prevent him/her from destroying my property.”
Do you dare? LOL
Love this concept… it’s not related to the business, but this is how we do our family “Rules” – They are “Expectations and Consequences” and our “Chore” chart is called “Daily Responsibilities”… things like instead of the rule “No running in the house” it is written as “Walk in the house – if you do not walk in the house, you will get 3 laps” (walking from point A to point B and back 3 times). I try to utilize this everywhere possible. ~Jessica from Twice Loved Boutique
If I am couch shopping I would like to try it out. Would I have to ask permission to try it? That turns me off no matter how nicely you put it. I won’t buy if I can’t try.
I “close” Sun – Thurs in July. Someone went to another shop and told them I was “closing”. I have to remind myself to say “We are only open Thurs – Fri & Sat in July. Susie in Mass.
Instead of “Sold”, we put a sign that says: “Sorry, I’m taken”.
Might be a bit too subtle for some, but I like it – also enhances the appeal of the sofa. Clever.