SHOP ASSISTANTS HAVE LOST THE ART OF “SELLING”

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 14, Issue 10, 11 July 1949, Page 7

SHOP ASSISTANTS HAVE LOST THE ART OF “SELLING”

According to experts the “buyers’ market” is beginning to return to New Zealand. According to some customers, who have had experi-i ence of the manners of some salesmen and women, it has not. In fact many claim that the art of “selling” has been lost since it is such a long time when a salesman had to sell to customers. In the days when goods were plentiful. This is certainly, true of a number of shops at Whakatane. Abrupt of speech, lacking in manners and giving the impression they are doing the customer a favour some shop assistants appear to have very little idea of their actual job. This has been brought about possibly by the lack of staff and the number of jobs that are available. But it has revealed that the art of selling appears to have been lost. This has also been noticed iu. other countries where “selling” schools are being established. But, generally it is agreed that if shop assistants follow certain rules they can’t go wrong. Here are 12 tips:— 1. Always be neat.

2. Greet customers pleasantly, because people just naturally avoid a disagreeable person. 3. Be courteous instead of nosey, gossipy, or too friendly. 4. Refrain from flattery, and go easy on the “soft soap.”

5. Make friends with children and pets. 6. Be alert and anticipate the customers’ needs.

7. Sell, do not high-pressure customers. 8. Do your best and do not fool yourself that you are getting by the easy way.

9. Make friends by handling complaints promptly. 10. Always be cheerful. 11. Be sure your sales story is sincere, but do not make - it sound like a recitation. 12. Do not carry gossip, because the customer reasons, “If he gossips about other customers he probably will gossip about me.”