So, I could possibly be employed by my favorite lbs after this weekend. I was wondering if any of you insightful monkies could give me any tips for a first time shop workers?
Ha, funny you say that... My interview I believe will go as follows...Wake and bake.
Cool.LO- Mostly sales but one of my good friends is the head mechanic so he'd be teaching me all kinds of stuff so I could build bikes/and do minor repairs
Ah, working in a record shop in the late 80s.That sucks, I thought the only 2 reasons people worked in a shop was the absence of sober and dogs.
serious advice:Know your product and the product of your competitor's brands.
sounds like good advice here too.serious advice:
don't discount/prejudge based on appearance or gender.
is, assume that the fat person wants a comfort bike and not a real bike; that a chick doesn't know anything, etc.
gg
Excellent advise.serious advice:
don't discount/prejudge based on appearance or gender.
is, assume that the fat person wants a comfort bike and not a real bike; that a chick doesn't know anything, etc.
gg
You can lend them air, but don't let them keep it!DO NOT LEND ANY TOOLS TO A CUSTOMER, even for a second. Once this happens, customers will start to expect it and tools will disappear. (exception: tire levers and air)
You like to smell your own farts, don't you.You can lend them air, but don't let them keep it!
Just fuggin walk in and start telling the wrenches what to do!If you notice anything that isn't adjusted right, give it to a wrench to remedy it.
Customers really appreciate it when you take a moment to get the RIGHT answer for them if you don't know it.I wouldn't worry what you know: most people will recognize that you are a newbie and not trouble you with anything too complicated.
Alot of this is off the top of my head, and assuming the job is landed.Just fuggin walk in and start telling the wrenches what to do!
Good advice. Also, ask about how much they're looking to spend. If they're not sure, show them a big range, discuss their merits and shortcomings, and help them make up their mind, but don't be pushy about any one bike in particular. That said, if they're doing somthing really dumb (ie buying an expensive FS mountain bike to commute on), let them know gently that you think they could make a better decision. If they do give you a figure, show them bikes in that range, plus one or two that are slightly above and below their range.Customers really appreciate it when you take a moment to get the RIGHT answer for them if you don't know it.
A few questions to ask:
1) What kind of riding?
2) How frequent?
3) Where will the bike be stored? Commuting? (this can lead to extra lock and accessory sales)
4) Are they an "upgrade" type of person? Do they want an end-all bike, or something they can improve upon later?
5) Any special concerns? (next injury, etc) - this can dictate frame and component selection of they need to have a certain posture on the bike or they have limitations. (more upright, wider gearing, etc) This one is tricky, but it helps to ask sometimes, especially during a fitting. "How are your knees, do you ever have knee pain while riding?" is a good one. Often customers will bring up other issues they did not think about that may effect the fit.
Put your arm around people when showing them bikes too. People like the human touch.
How about a slap on the ass after the sale?Put your arm around people when showing them bikes too. People like the human touch.
With a wink and a point at them will make the customers feel like family!How about a slap on the ass after the sale?
But chicks don't know anything.serious advice:
don't discount/prejudge based on appearance or gender.
is, assume that the fat person wants a comfort bike and not a real bike; that a chick doesn't know anything, etc.
gg
Brush up against them when they least expect it and you're guaranteed a sale! Oh yeah, never ask them "are you a milf?". They don't seem to like that....oh, and flatter the MILFs who like to come in and spend $$. Chances are they have secret fantasies about young shop wrenches...