Why it pays to be a people person

I’m going to say something controversial here so hold on to your nametags. People not products make retail the best jobs sector to get into.

Why? Because working with the public, challenging as it can be, is actually a lot of fun.

And beyond making your shop or business money, meeting new people every day also offers great opportunities to improve communication skills and grow in confidence.

But to get the greatest job satisfaction means perfecting your attitude and responses to customers.

In recognition of building better relationships with the people who will be key in your retail career, here are the five types of customer you’re likely to encounter.

The Usual Suspects

Regulars are the lifeblood of any shop, from Bake Off fans who can’t resist your muffins to the DIY enthusiast who needs yet another length of 2×4. Reward their loyalty with a smile and a bit of banter because without them your shift wouldn’t be half as profitable.

Visiting Royalty

We all know the type of customer who swans into the store as if they’re the multi-millionaire owner. They’ll demand someone sort out their quail egg pricing issues. They’ll dare to skip the queue. Dealing with difficult customers are where managers make their mark – management roles in retail aren’t just about organising staff but customers too.

The Bargain Hunters

They may not have the David Dickinson perma-tan but they are sales experts. No aisle is out of their reach, no bargain too big or too small. They can negotiate deals on goods, clothes, microwaves, goats . . . That’s why the savvy store manager knows to offer tasty two-for-one treats and attract them into their store.

Mums and Dads

Where would any of us be without them? Shepherding flocks of stray kids, carrying unfathomable amounts of shopping and covering unprecedented ground before closing. They deserve any help you can give so always take a minute from stacking shelves, putting out clothes or serving food to ask if you can assist.

The Makers of Mess

Ask anyone who’s worked in retail and they’ll agree, by some evolutionary hiccup, some customers cannot help but transfer clothes from rails to the floor, spill food in the aisles and generally make a messy nuisances of themselves. This is where your patience pays: in retail tidying up is all part of the job.

Posted on September 6, 2017