We have all had the experience of waiting for a client to make a final decision. Some customers may even need to visit two or three times in order to make a decision, but we all need to feel more confident about what we are buying. How? Why is this so difficult for some people? What can be done to help these customers make up their minds in a more timely fashion?

For many customers, visualizing the change they are planning to make can be very difficult. This difficulty prevents them from being able to make decisions without a struggle. However, there are several things you can do to help these customers speed up the decision process with confidence.

Home improvement centers are experts in allowing customers see and feel their products. Think about the last time you wanted to paint. Did someone in your home have a difficult time deciding on a color? Many homeowners are reluctant to change their home because they are unsure of how the new paint color will look. Paint companies and home improvement stores recognize this fact. Some stores and paint companies now offer special computer software which allows the home owner to scan in a picture of their room and digitally "paint" it any color they wish. This helps people make an informed decision about their paint selection and increases the sale of paint.

Another type of business that also attracts customers by using the senses is the liquor and wine industry. Many people do not know much about wine and are intimidated by the prospect of purchasing the wrong wine. They are simply afraid of making a mistake, so they tend to avoid making any decision. Many liquor stores and wineries are now offering wine sampling and education classes in order to educate customers and create loyal wine connoisseurs. People will come in, experience the wine, learn what they like, and purchase wine, even if they are not usually wine drinkers. These customers tend to be repeat customers because of the experience.

Grocery stores also allow customers to use their senses when making purchase decisions. Sampling is a frequent tool used by grocery stores in order to introduce new products to customers, especially higher end products. Again, consumers are afraid of spending a lot of money on a product and not liking it. Some stores even offer hands-on cooking experiences in order to help promote new products. This allows people to learn how they can use these new products at home with very little risk to them. Stores have found that they often sell out of the products they are sampling because people become so excited by the prospect of using a new and exciting product.

If you want to help your customers make quicker decisions that they will feel happier about, find a way to allow customers to use their senses in the decision making process. You will soon find that you will develop loyal customers who trust you and view you as a resource.