My first part time

After finishing DSE, I have no idea what to do. Waiting for the release of public exam result, I feel like waiting for decades. The pace of life is way too slow as compared to the hectic life when I was preparing for the exam. In order to kill time, I looked for jobs.

Part-time sales

My mother knew I had nothing to do, so she asked her friend, whose son Edison is older than me by a year. After finishing DSE, he worked in LaneCrawford as a part-time sales. The only thing that intrigues me is the pay. The salary they offer is much higher than other retailing companies. Having no idea what customer-relationship is, I applied for the job.

I got a successful interview and signed the contract. I was allocated to work at the store in Times Square, Causeway Bay. My colleagues were kind and congenial. I also met a lot of friends who also finished their DSE. The first few days were great, but when it comes to the forth day, I start to feel the pressure. Colleagues start to expect me to know where the shoes and handbags were placed in the inventory room. The problem with inventory management is more than meets the eye.

Normally, full-time colleagues usually tell me the number, color and size of the shoe. Then I will take the exact shoe as they were told. However, there are 3 major problems.

1. Shoes are misplaced

Not every customer buy the shoe after trying it. Colleagues will put the shoe back to its original place. Since some colleagues are too lazy to reach for the ladder, they will just put it elsewhere where it is convenient.

2. Land is money

Land is money and space is limited. It is a common practice to build the shelves as tall as possible. It makes us hard to take items that are placed at the top. Accidents often occur when taking those items.

3. Too many customers calling you

During sales period, 10 customers reach for you at the same time. It is impossible to remember all the combinations of size, number and color of shoe they wanted. We are trained to use a pen to drop them down. However, people make mistakes when information overflows.

Takeaway

After experiencing my first part-time job as a sales person, I realized that what means by customer-relationship. Presenting product features is one thing, what customers really want is efficiency and professional service. There is a reason why the rich spends a kings ransom in luxury products, it is all about the experience. Sales person up-sale the product, compare them and delivery it. What they are buying is the process and the experience of someone serving you with a smile.

#sales #luxury #parttime