Wednesday, February 17, 2010

Would you like your receipt in the bag?

I've said that more in two days than I ever thought I would in my entire life, ha! Work so far is going well. It's nice having somewhere to actually go to a few times a week, and helping customers is fun. It's kinda cute because they really value MY opionion. Which jeans looked better? What could I wear this top with? What are the different ways you can wear this scarf? Ohh and one girl yesterday was looking for a dress to wear to a job interview. You better believe I was all over that one! I used the tips I learned from this post to help me out.

Retail is tricky because you have to use your intuition to feel people out. Some want to chat it up and analyze every last thing they try on with you, while others are quiet and just want to do their own thing. I've walked out of stores before due to pushy sales people, so I know how important it is to my job without being too invasive.

You also have to be sensitive. Yesterday a lady tried on several things and nothing quite fit right. I could tell she was bummed, and she explained that she's had trouble shopping because she's trying to lose her baby weight. I tried to sympathize and joked that a lot of people have been complaining about holiday weight that won't budge. Sometimes it's hard to know the exact right thing to say, but she gave me a warm smile, so I think my efforts were appreciated at least.

Seriously, how much does it freakin' suck to try on a bajillion things and NOTHING works. I've busted out the waterworks in many dresssing rooms. What about you: Have you had any shopping meltdowns, too? And what are your pet peeves when it comes to sales people?

5 comments:

  1. I tend to have meltdowns with swimwear and jeans! ARG!!!!! why is it so effing hard to find a good pair of jeans?!?!?!?!!? I'm 5'10 and it's HARD!

    I can't stand in your face sales people! Please just say hi and let me shop on my own. If you want to point out sales that is cool but don't crowd my space.

    (not directing any of that at you Ellen) :)

    glad the job is going well!

    B

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  2. I have been bummed out many times while trying on clothes. I have the same problem as Barbara I can never find the right pair of jeans. I also like to just do my own thing while shopping if a sales person says hi or tells me whats on sale that's cool but I don't want them to be too pushy.

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  3. I totally agree with the jeans! I mean how they can they look so great one everyone else but me!!! haha!

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  4. It's funny, it feels like you're talking about my usual day at work!
    It's not always easy to know how to talk to customer sometimes. And you desribed it perfectly!
    You seem to have a good time doing this job so i'm happy for you!

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