Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

[Iowatech]

Sometimes when I'm working on a machine, somebody will come up to me and ask about what's going on with the machine. When that happens, if time permits, I'll break it down into the easiest chunks of information that I can (I mean, who hasn't ever encountered static electricity in one form or another and seen how it works?). That actually has worked better than I would have thought, but it isn't perfect, and if I don't pay attention sometimes a glazed stare looks like rapt attention. Suggestions or comments?
Also, this might be relevant, and I thought it was funny and hopefully you might get a chuckle out of it as well:

[gwaddle]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

I tend to explain it in the most technical terms I can think of so they will go away sooner. Unless its a cute girl of course.

[Jules Winfield]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

I usually try to work in the terms "flux capacitor" and "1.21 Gigawatts" somewhere in the explanation to see if they're actually paying attention.

[blackcat4866]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

I tend to explain it in the most technical terms I can think of so they will go away sooner. Unless its a cute girl of course.

I follow gwaddle's guidelines. I use technical terms where needed to explain the basic concepts. If I start seeing the eyes-glazed-over response I'll cut it short. It makes for a short conversation. =^..^=

[fixthecopier]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

If I am ask what is wrong, I will ask"You want it technical or simple?" They almost always say simple, then I reply "It was broke, now it's better" or "Needs stuff, I will be back". I have never had them want more details.

[ZOOTECH]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

I tend to explain it in the most technical terms I can think of so they will go away sooner. Unless its a cute girl of course.

Gene, your signature says it all - why aren't you embarrased??? At least, I hope, those cute girls are of age!

[gwaddle]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

Gene, your signature says it all - why aren't you embarrased??? At least, I hope, those cute girls are of age!

Well, that depends who you ask. My daughters say anyone under 40 is underage because they think, for some reason, it would be weird if I hooked up with anyone younger than they are. On the other hand, I can dream can't I?

[ZOOTECH]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

Well, that depends who you ask. My daughters say anyone under 40 is underage because they think, for some reason, it would be weird if I hooked up with anyone younger than they are. On the other hand, I can dream can't I?

Of course, dreaming/ fantasy is what keeps us (you , me & others) looking forward to tomorrow!

[DAG COPIERS & COMPUTERS]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

I tend to explain it in the most technical terms I can think of so they will go away sooner. Unless its a cute girl of course.

-

Many of my customers usually marvel at my work especially when I am doing firmware upgrade on their Canon machine. Whenever I hook up my mini laptop to their device and begin flashing the system, they are always inquisitive to know exactly how and why I do it....I attempt to give them some explanation; but ''Keep it Simple & Stupid''.....[The KISS technique]

[igi]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

hi all
i am back to the theory of reliativity
the shorter the skirt-the longer the explanation

[DAG COPIERS & COMPUTERS]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

hi all
i am back to the theory of reliativity
the shorter the skirt-the longer the explanation

Does it yield the 'fruit' sometimes?

[robscopyr]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

One of my favorite things to do when this situation presents itself is to reach into my tool bag, pull out my spare screw container and say something like " Well, I got it working again *sigh* but what I can't figure out is why they needed all these other screws to hold everything in place!"

[nmfaxman]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

If you can't dazzle them with brilliance, baffle them with bullshit.

[igi]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

Does it yield the 'fruit' sometimes?

o yes,what fruit are you talking about?

[DAG COPIERS & COMPUTERS]

Re: Talking to customers about the inner workings of their machine

o yes,what fruit are you talking about?

Your guess is as good as mine.