How to Anticipate Customer Needs

Anticipating a customer's needs is an important part of most retail and wholesale businesses, especially in a more challenging retail environment so they choose to come back. Anticipating needs also provides opportunities for personal and professional growth. A business that takes the extra step of anticipating and providing for an obvious corollary need can generate loyal, repeat customers; and even a humble clerk who is alert to the needs of the customer standing in front of them is sure to advance.


While much of this may involve remembering or noting the desires of the individual customer, it also largely means putting yourself in a customer's place, which takes a little practice. The needs of a truck driver versus a pregnant mother with children may differ, even for the purchase of a cup of coffee. Below are some steps to help you improve your anticipation of a customer's needs.