True Confessions Of A Sales Associate | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Lifestyle

True Confessions Of A Sales Associate

Five truths about working in retail.

59
True Confessions Of A Sales Associate
Retail sales associate job

Life in retail definitely has its ups and downs. It is easy for your mood to go from good to bad and back to good within the first 15 minutes of your shift. I have been employed by two very different companies now, and here is what I have concluded.

1. Cash Register Protocol

Greet, email, ring, censor, thank, and absolutely don’t forget, “Receipt with you or in the bag?” After an eight hour shift, things can get pretty repetitive, and if we get out of order, everything else will be off. Customers beware: if we ever seem awkward or stop talking to you at the cash register, we are just making sure we aren’t messing up.

2. Emails

After so many times on the cash register, you will hear every email address on the planet. There will be long emails, short emails, emails that end with “.edu” and “@gmail,” and eventually, no email will come as a surprise. On behalf of sales associates everywhere, I would personally like to thank all of you kind-hearted people who actually give us your email. Our job depends on you and we appreciate you.

3. Reoccurring music

The CD that plays one set of songs over and over and over. “Work, work, work, work” is permanently embedded in my brain. I hear that song at least three times each shift that I work and I don’t think I will ever be able to not hear it.

4. Customers

You meet all kinds of people when working as a sales associate and not everyone is going to be as delightful as the last. Still, you have to greet everyone with a smile and make sure that they get the best customer service you can offer them. Although sometimes you may feel like ripping your hair out, there is no better feeling than hitting it off with a customer and helping them find exactly what they are looking for.

5. Managers

Managers are the people we want to impress the most. Everything that they do and say we take notes on and hope they notice all of the right things we do. When we show up a couple minutes early for work, sell a credit card, or satisfy a customer, we can only hope that our managers take notice and remember. To store managers everywhere: we sales associates appreciate you and are grateful for your willingness to help.

After working a couple retail jobs in my young life, I give credit to anyone who is brave enough to take on the role. There are good days and there are bad days in retail. Sometimes you love it and everything is fine and other times you just want to walk away. Honestly, sometimes I question my decision to work in the retail industry, and then I remember that the good always outweighs the bad. I’ve gotten to work with the best co-workers and learn from the best managers, and there is never a day where I don’t get the chance to help someone. It is a pretty great job if I do say so myself.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

8873
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
college

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

3950
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

2878
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

2601
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments