New to Retail

John1989

Hi all
I started working as a retail sales assistant at a well known mobile store last week.
Iam new to retail and have struggled with job so far needing a lot of help off collegues.Even though I did training etc.. I still feel lost and iam worried i might not ever get the hang of it.
Anyone got any tips on how to survive theses types of jobs?
Thanks

snellers

the question to ask is what are you struggling with?

product info?
communicating with customers?
something else?

a bit more info and someone may be able to offer advice/tips

FionaC

Its only been a week. Everyone struggles at the start. Its hard to take in all the information. I'd give it a little bit more time and once they see your trying and you care you should be fine.

If you give us more information as snellers asked someone can give you more specific advise.

BillyGoatGruff

If you are struggling with customers in relation to product knowledge, it is always best to tell the customer that you don't know (as you are new) but that you would be happy to find out. Never guess if you don't know.

If i communicating with customers is the issue that is just nerves as you prob know that you don't have enough product knowledge to answer some of their questions. It takes time even for an experienced salesman to gain all the product knowledge.

I know when i started in sales even if i knew all about the product i had a bit of a problem with colleagues/ management listening to what i was saying ( don't know why)

Just be yourself, be polite to customers, be honest and remember...... Customer is King.

They obviously think you have the smarts and personality to work there otherwise they wouldn't have given you the job.

Trust me, it will all fall into place for you soon.

P.S A lot of these place use confusing computer systems that are often tricky to use. It will take time and practice to get used to these too. ( Training or no training )

Eoin

FionaC wrote: »

Its only been a week. Everyone struggles at the start. Its hard to take in all the information. I'd give it a little bit more time and once they see your trying and you care you should be fine.

Good advice there - if you're not a little overwhelmed starting a job, then it means there's no challenge (i.e. boring).

It will take a while. Just hang on in there and keep communicating with your manager and colleagues.

John1989

snellers wrote: »

the question to ask is what are you struggling with?

product info?
communicating with customers?
something else?

a bit more info and someone may be able to offer advice/tips

Thanks for the replys.
Mainly its gettting used to the system and handling complaints and returns is the most difficult part for me at the moment

bigeasyeah

Ive just left a simliar position having worked there for a number of years.As the people above said itll fall into place.Dont be too concerned about the complaints just nod and smile;sounds simple but it has a pacifying effect.As regards returns-theyll always be a pain in the unmentionables

dylanbytwo

hi john, good luck dealing with the public,in the retail game every second is geared toward the customer, they come to shop they buy the company makes a few bob, you get paid. always deal with customer returns as :ohh shock: terrible sorry about that, no problem, leave it with me, i will sort that for you.....and do ....straight away.get on to the supplier, explain what the problem is, 9 times out of 10 your company will be issued with a credit note, you sorted on cost customer happy, ie refund, repair replacement. use the reps of the company as much as you can, they will sell you products and introduce you to new lines , they seem to hate dealing with returns, but it is not your job to send a dodgy product back to the supplier, use the rep it is there job, help the customer as much as you can, learn as much as you can about the products you sell, ie if your customer is looking for a drill, ask them what will they be mainly using it for, diy around the home or constant use, cordless or electric, 12v, 14v 18v or 24v, or 1000w 1200w 1800w 2000w they will then decide, happy with there purchase linksell and ask them are they ok for drill bits, at this stage they feel that they are being very well looked after and will come back for more, repeat customers = repeat sales..................good luck

kittensoft1984

Hi John,

Congrats on getting the job

I worked in retail in a mobile phone shop for a number of years. It can tough at times but you will get used to it.

Customer complaints can be hard to handle but as long as you keep your calm and try your best to help them out you will be fine.

Dealing with returns may be tricky your first few times as having had to deal with mobile returns i know! But as long as you continue to ask for help from your colleagues you will be fine. Dont worry about wrecking their head as thats what they are there for!

If you dont feel you can ask them....feel free to PM me if you need any help

Best of luck!