Be mindful of what you say to your customers.

Choose your words correctly to avoid making a customer feel that you are annoyed.

Sometimes when retail assistants are busy, the phrase is further shortened to “What model”? This sounds rude and may baffle non-Singaporean customers as the question isn’t complete.

“What model you want” or “Which one do you want?” also seems to imply annoyance with a choosy or indecisive customer.

Suggested Phrases

Instead of sounding rude, try asking:

• “Which model do you prefer?” or
• "Which one do you prefer?"

Remember, use the words ‘do you prefer’ instead of ‘do you want’ to sound more polite. 

Source: Edited from the Singapore Retailers Association's Speak Good English pamphlet.