INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The reason for this is to have everyone in mind, which will prepare you to shop for gifts specific to each recipient as well as begin to plan out how much you're going to spend. Write down each name, and if you have a specific gift in mind, include that as well. Don't forget yourself! Add yourself to the list and include everything you wish to get. Factor this into your budget. A good idea is to ask others if there's anything from the country you're visiting that they want. This will give you ideas, help you research the item for authenticity and price range, and make shopping easier. Set a limit for each person. When you're out in another country browsing the shops, it's very easy to go over budget. In addition, you have to factor in the costs of miscellany such as snacks and transportation, which also contribute to your overall budget and how much you can afford to spend on others. Currency exchange is another sneaky charge that affects your budget, as is your ability to ship all these gifts home. Before you go, figure out what a real, quality item looks like and what is an appropriate price for it. This way, when you're in the midst of dazzling tourist shops and foreign prices, you'll be much more likely to stay under budget without sacrificing quality. If you want to buy a kimono in Japan, for instance, search online for what indicates a kimono as authentic as well as scams to watch out for. You can also search online or through guidebooks for tips on where to purchase your items. The key to bringing home a good gift is to get at the heart of what a person wants. The best gifts show that you care about a person, and to show that you care, you must understand the person. Keep in mind the person's likes and dislikes and match them appropriately with the amount of money you are willing to spend. For instance, if a person doesn't like brandy, bringing a bottle of brandy home from France, no matter how expensive, won't work. A successful gift will be one that makes a person think of you when they see it. This can be something worn such as jewelry, but it can also mean any other type of gift. If you don't know the person well enough or can't find an ideal gift, try getting them something that makes them want to travel. Even a stereotypical trinket such as a magnet or snow globe can mean a lot to the right person.

SUMMARY: Make a list of everyone you're going to buy a gift for. Set an amount you're willing to spend. Research the items you want to buy. Consider the person's tastes.

INPUT ARTICLE: Article: The more you know about the product or service, the easier it will be to answer customer questions. Study the product or service that your company provides, and take note of frequently asked questions or common points of confusion. Knowing the product will make your job easier and you'll be more efficient. You can even use or purchase the product or service to understand how the customer feels. If you have questions about the product or service, ask your supervisor. For example, if you're a customer service representative for a cable company, it would help to know what channels your company provides as well as common issues with cable boxes or modems. While customer service jobs require the same traits to be effective, each company and industry will have different standards and procedures. Even if you have some experience, learn the methods that your company uses. This could include a system to handle angry customers or the procedure to log individual calls into a database. Work closely with whoever is training you, and make sure to ask questions when you're unsure of something. It's usually better to take your time and get something right, rather than rushing and messing it up. Follow the instructions from the person training you carefully. A misunderstanding or miscommunication can damage your reputation with a customer. Keep the conversation clear and concise and don't talk about something unless you are certain about it. Identify their problem and work to solve their issue without diverting into a different topic. If a customer asks you a question that you're not sure about, say, "I'm not sure why, but let me put you on hold and I'll get the information from my supervisor. Sorry for the inconvenience." A miscommunication may make a customer have false expectations which could get you in trouble. For instance, if a customer asks how much something costs and you say "It will be included in your bill," it could be misconstrued as a free product, when what you actually meant to say was, "The cost will be listed on your bill." When you're dealing with a customer, they will most likely mirror your attitude. If you act irate or annoyed, there's a good chance that they will return the favor and the interaction will be less than favorable. If you remain polite and courteous, even in the face of someone who's angry, your energy will affect the way they act. Try to set the tone for the interaction. If the customer is initially angry, you can reduce their frustration by staying calm and polite. If you're dealing with an angry customer, you can say something like, "I understand why you're angry, but I'm going to figure it out and resolve the issue." If the tone of the conversation escalates, and the customer remains mad, consider forwarding them to a supervisor. Some customers will know precisely what their issue is, and others will ask a lot of questions. Regardless of the knowledge of the client, you must have patience. Try to understand their issue through their perspective. If they are a new customer and haven't used your product, there's a chance that they don't understand how to use it, or don't know your company's policies. Make sure to explain everything so that they can walk away satisfied with your interaction. If the customer is new to your product say something like, "I totally understand how frustrating it can be. I'm going to help you figure this out." Ask the customer questions so you can ascertain their familiarity with your product or service. If you have a file on the person and they are a brand new customer, make sure to have extra patience with them.

SUMMARY:
Know your product or service inside and out. Learn the procedures and operations at your job. Maintain clear communication. Be polite and courteous. Have patience and be understanding.