I work at a local Dick's Sporting Goods.  I want to help my customers the best I can so I figured I get you guys to give me ideas as to what you look for in an associate. I try to greet everyone and do what I consider to be the essentials, but beyond that I don't want to force products on people and I certainly don't want to be the guy who always says, "well me and my buddies' use this and it works." So please give me some feedback.  Summing up here is what I'm looking for.

If you were to come in the Dick's I work at, what things would you look for to consider me an overall top rate associate?

[movedhere] General Bass Fishing Forum [move by] five.bass.limit.

I think for the most part, an avid bass fisherman has gained enough knowledge to go in and make decisions on his own, without any help. On the other hand, new bass fisherman would probably like a short explanation of what each lure does, how to use it and probably some scenarios where that certain bait might be a good choice.

Just being "knowledgeable" in my eyes, makes you a great sales associate. Just be there for when the customer needs you, don't pester the customers.

I'm not sure my local Dick's even has a sales associate, I've never been asked if I needed assistance, so your already ahead of the game.

As far as I'm concerned, to be a good sales associate, you need product knowlege. I've been to Dick's, Gander Mountain, and BPS, and when I ask about where I can find a particular bait, all I get is a blank stare.

Falcon

They are not sales associates.

They are clerks.

Warm bodies put in the fishing department to do what they can, with no knowledge of fishing.

That is why I like Greentop and Castaways in Richmond.

Their staff fish and hunt and give you information, suggestions and guidance.  They are supper and on a scale of 1 to 100, Greentop staff rates 100; Castaways 90; and BPS and Gander Mountain around 30 as most of them know where to find items.

So what am I looking for in a store's fishing department? Knowledgeable staff willing to help.

That Dick's where Elite Image works is very lucky to have him. But what happens when he is not working?

Just my two cents.  

Product knowledge

Know where it is located

At least be able to carry on a conversation(Not necessarily about fishing) with customers

Honesty, Integrity,

"give me ideas as to what you look for in an associate."

Pretend I'm not there and don't even look at me. If I need help, I'll ask. Your sales manager will not like this plan, but I will be happy.

Real World:

If you want to be a successful salesman, get in front of every person you can and try to sell them something. First build rapport, then sell FFB: Features, Functions and Benefits. Always benefits! If it doesn't benefit the buyer there is little reason to buy.

Building rapport: In your case, I would start with asking open ended questions and avoid questions that will allow them to tell you "no thanks" or "just looking". Try to relate to them on some level and use that to sell them.

Remember your boss hired you to make the store money and people come into the store to buy something, so don't be shy about asking for the sell. You'll have to hear a lot of "no" before you hear "yes".

Good luck and treat people with respect.

I've helped more people at my Dicks than I've seen their employees do. It's sad. I'm pretty sure you will shine if you are just there to answer questions and steer beginners in the right direction. It's not about sales it's about costomer service.

If i get pestered I'm walking out the door with nothing.This happens with cars salesmen more than anything.

Just greet me with a "Hi,if you need anything let us know" and leave me alone.Certain things are locked up and by "Greeting" or "Finding everything you need,sir?" can help a lot.I couldn't count how many times somebody who worked there walked right past me without a greeting and i end up changing my mind about buying anything.  

And also act like they are happy to work there.Nothing ticks me off more trying to talk to somebody who has an attitude when i ask a question or need assistant on something i can't reach. ;D

Smile.... A lot...... ;D I've commented to supervisors/bosses that he has a lot of happy,good employees and i found everything i need.That's what your boss wants to hear.Even if i didn't need help finding anything.

Just check to see if we need help.

Know where all your products are located, even when they get moved. Have some knowledge of items you don't carry. Know when new product is arriving. Know about the fishing waters and current conditions in your area. Keep up on the bite and what is working during different seasons. Don't lie. If you do not know, just say so. These things help carry a conversation and will benefit new or unseasoned anglers and will help someone in a hurry or a guy looking for a particular bait.

First of all look like you enjoy doing your job. A smile can go a long ways. You have probably noticed that if you ask "Can I help you find anything?" you will get a lot of "Just looking". Instead you might try starting a conversation about the particular items the customer is looking at. I personally am sort of shy. I won't seek out people to talk to of I don't know them, but if a friendly stranger comes up I will gladly talk. Most of the time I can get things cheaper on internet stores, but I like to go to local stores just because of the people... most of the time.

I've helped more people at my Dicks than I've seen their employees do. It's sad. I'm pretty sure you will shine if you are just there to answer questions and steer beginners in the right direction. It's not about sales it's about costomer service.

Ditto.

I've helped more people at my Dicks than I've seen their employees do. It's sad. I'm pretty sure you will shine if you are just there to answer questions and steer beginners in the right direction. It's not about sales it's about customer service.

Very Very true....................................don't stick beginner anglers with gear they don't need just to sale! Instead, work with them on identifying exactly what gear they do need. Before you know it, you will have a good rep with your customers and your boss.

Thanks for all the input guys. I have been working with Dick's for over 1 year. I absolutely love the job, I just want to make sure I am doing the right things. These pointers are showing me a lot about things I already do and ways to improve them. So thanks. If you are ever in Dothan Alabama stop in and say hi!  

WOOT WOOT! I work at dicks in wichita kansas, I try to greet everyone as soon as I see them.  I am in a single deck store so I work fishing, hunting, camping, and kayaks.... ya too much area to cover but w/e.  I think the biggest thing is to not sell the customer something they don't need and know where they can go get something that we don't carry.  I don't know how many people I have told to go somewhere else to get something to just turn around a week later and sell them other things.  I also try to chat with people, I have made some good contacts through people for hunting spots and I even received a custom jig sponsorship through a company  a guy hooked me up with.  I just try to have fun and get something sold.

Being a fisherman ....Hearing "Don't know dude, I don't fish" doesn't help much...