Being a good Sales Assistant.

My work place really do makes me laugh sometimes. I know this may sound really vain for me to say this, but honestly, they love me. Usually, sales assistants don't really have much say with working times in their shifts etc, but for me, I think I do. Of course I don't take the piss with it, but to some extent, after from today's phone call, I've realised, I have some power (Yay for that!).

Every sales assistant hate's to be in a closing shift, and they are usually given out to all part timers. Usually, only the early shifts are given to full timers right? Well, not for this lucky girl right here! YEP, me! Of course, when I first started the job, I was never given a non-closing shift, because I am only part time. But now, things have changed and I 've managed to bag myself a non-closing shift on a Saturday which is pretty hard to gain for my store (maybe not in other retail places but for mine, yes) and ESPECIALLY on Saturday in the upcoming season. So, how did I manage to do this?

Tips for being recognised as a good SA.

Approaching a customer - Timing is key. You don't just go straight into a customer when they just walk into the store asking whether they need help. Or if they are just looking at a pile it doesn't indicate whether they are interested in the item. Just wait until they body language shows they need help, otherwise they will just brush you off real quick when you do try to talk to them.

Greeting a customer - avoid harsh and abrasive manners. I've seen many times by my current colleagues when they approach a customer and ask them straight away if they need size, but at the same time, looking through the pile already before the customer has told them what they are really looking for. You need to listen to the customer, and almost don't look too desperate for a sale. Try sound genuine, and a customer would feel more comfortable with your assistance without feeling the pressure to actually buy the product just because of your presence. Give them space when they are trying the item of clothing on, move on somewhere else instead of just standing right next to them, and let them decide whether they like it or not. If they indicate they like it, then agree. If they indicate otherwise, agree with them on their choice again. Don't give your first hand opinion if you dislike the item, because what if the customer says she does like it on her. You can't really change your mind after that now can you? Of course, if the cutting or fit really ain't right, just suggest other alternatives rather than saying it don't look good. There is no need to putting a downer on a customer when they are shopping right? Most people shop (well female shoppers) as a social activity. Well for me anyways.

Make yourself LOOK busy in the store. If you work in a store like mine, which can be extremely quiet and dead on the weekdays, you still shouldn't really stand their or walk around day dreaming when your manager is on the shop floor. Otherwise, they will see you as a non-productive worker and become invaluable to them rather than an asset. The trick to overcome this problem is to LOOK busy. Walk around the store yes, but with every rail or pile you walk past then tidy the piles, refold the clothes quickly, pat the rails down, put them in the right place whilst walking round the store. Even just saying a small hello when a customer walks by is better than NOTHING. Multi -tasking is what you should be doing as you are maintaining the tidyness of the shop floor whilst you can keep an eye for some customer service if needed. 

And finally, you need to just smile, don't look so moody because who would want assistance from a moody SA? And of course, appearance. Do try make a small effort when coming to work. I'm not going to lie, I always have make-up when coming to work and ensure my shoes are clean. And try to wear the clothes that represent what your store is about. For example, when I used to work in Topshop, I tried to dress accordingly to the trends such as Dark novae or Rough Diamonds. It's all about the effort, and once your manager sees this, it'll be positive for you. All my hard work has paid off, and now, my managers have recognised this. For example, ever since I told them I refuse to work on a Saturday unless they give me a non-closing shift, they have finally listened! I didn't even realised that one of the head office bosses came down to our stores (and I just served her as a regular customer), and she even complimented on me back to my floor managers. With being consistent in good customer service, the managers will eventually recognise this and you will become valuable to them, hence overtime, you can have some power in the store yourself. And when I say power, I mean you can "bend the rules" slightly in your favour, with the permission from the managers. I now love my job! (well most of the time) =P

And the reason for this blog post? I've recently tried to get someone an interview for the same position job as me, and all this person had to do was to show some good customer service on the shop floor and still managed to fail, on such a simple task. Most ironic thing is, some next fob got employed instead. JOKES. So for those who are preparing for a job interview as a sales assistant, these are my tips on what I do and what I think makes a good SA! I know all the things have said are all basic common sense, but sometimes people just need to be told even so!
Hope you all enjoyed it!

ℒℴѵℯ,  A