working in sales/retail

If you're in sales, there is one important question to answer before you even start taking advice: Are you commission-based sales or do you work by the hour (with either minimal bonuses or none)?

Commission-based sales are difficult, as you have to be many different people at once to succeed, and you always, ALWAYS have to be on your feet and witty. There's no way to predict a customer's response, as you just don't know them well enough from one single encounter. Professional, yet jovial and confidant are key traits to have.

If you're not commission-based, then be courteous and attentative to the customer's needs, whether they need your help or they need you to go away. Look, listen, and learn.

How ya doing, buddy?

I've noticed a trend in this thread -- it's all about the customer. Well, that's about half right.

Keep in mind, sweeper, that it's also about your performance. Any good salesperson knows when and when not to sell to a customer, but any good customer will know when you're trying to sell to them. Most will let you know at least one way or another that they're not looking to buy, especially if they know the place is commission.

Some will say it loud and clear "I'm not buying anything today" but others use body language, like turning their backs to you and walking away, or even cutting conversations short.

As much as you need to respect your customers, respect yourself as well. Don't let shitheads feed you their crap -- if a customer is pissing you off, walk away from the sale. Why? Because it'll affect you the rest of the day, and that's something you don't want.

I know that sounds confusing and admittedly it is. But you can't be nice to everyone, and you can't simply wait around for someone to approach you either. It's a very thin, delicate line. Some people genuinely don't know what they're looking for, but they don't wanna approach a salesperson and ask because they're afraid of what a good (or bad, if you look at it like that) salesperson will try and do.

Be curteous, and always, always keep in mind what the customer wants, and what you need to sell. If you only go by what they want, your numbers will almost always suffer.

There's nowhere I can't reach.