Scottrade branch managers aren't going to try to sell you on a new investment product or opportunity. They aren't going to talk you into an investment plan for your money. And they certainly aren't going to take over your account and invest it the way they think is best. So what are they going to do?

At Scottrade, our brokers are focused on customer service, not sales. But without the sales aspect of investing, some customers aren't sure what's left. KnowHow News talked to Jahon Fakhrzad, branch manager in O'Fallon, Mo., to see what exactly Scottrade branches do for customers.

Fakhrzad says there are three top reasons his customers visit his team at their branch office:

1. They Know the Market. All of the brokers who work in Scottrade branch offices are licensed professionals who have a working knowledge of the marketplace. They can show you the various investment products available and explain how they work. And best of all, they do it face to face, one on one.

2. They Know Scottrade. Scottrade offers a wealth of educational and trading opportunities, but they're only valuable if you know how to use them. Customers can stop by anytime for a free, personalized demo of any of the Scottrade trading platforms or the Web site to become more comfortable with the tools available.

"Coming in for a personal demo is a great way to learn, ask questions, and move at your own pace," Fakhrzad said. "We love helping customers feel more confident in their trading by helping them understand the tools available to them through our three online trading platforms."

3. They Know Accounts. No matter what type of account you have, and no matter which broker or investment firm holds your account, Scottrade brokers can help you wade through the paperwork. Whether you're rolling over an IRA or other retirement account, transferring investments or filling out other account forms, your Scottrade branch office can help you understand the documents and complete them correctly.

"We are here to help customers complete their paperwork correctly the first time to make sure accounts are opened properly and assets are transferred quickly and efficiently," Fakhrzad said.

Beyond his top three, Fakhrzad said there are countless ways customers take advantage of their branch office's services. Customers frequently drop off checks, call for quotes or to place a trade, ask about communications they receive from companies in which they have invested, or call about general account questions.

"No matter why customers call us or drop in, they know they're getting award-winning service from the same brokers every time," Fakhrzad said. "They get to know us, and we get to know them. We establish a personal relationship with our customers, and we build trust by providing quality service."

Fakhrzad's office also offers Branch Seminars, which are small-group gatherings designed to educate customers on a particular topic. Seminar topics range from retirement resources to advanced order types to using ScottradeELITE. Most seminars are held in the evenings once a month, and customers can call their branch office to find out more details.