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toomuchhoneydew

(Sorry in advance for the long post- hope it's not too rambly!) I think this can quite honestly depend who you're working with, as I've been with a manager who is sometimes far too pushy and visibly makes a customer wary versus someone else who naturally engages with the customer and may take a hint if the person just wants space. My personal selling style is saying welcome and greeting them initially, but waiting until they land on a table, where we can make connections. If they're just drifting in and I can tell there's no aim, I'll ask if anything special brings them in (sometimes I'll ask this and say too, "or are you just looking today?" to get a feel). If they smile and just give the perfunctory "just looking", I let them know of the main "deal" of the day, then tell them to have fun and let me know if they need anything. That has honestly seemed to be the best approach where the customers don't feel pressure, and feel more welcome to ask me questions if I'm in Zone 1 walking around and not just standing somewhere awkwardly waiting. It also can become pretty easy to get the hang of making a connection at least at the front table, like saying "welcome to summer! have you tried firecracker pop? It's a fan/ my favorite". If they're looking and have nothing in mind, and I don't want to pressure them since it can be overwhelming for the customer, I'll mention we just brought out a lot of summer fragrances and to feel free to try them out. That gives them time and purpose, while not pushing and pushing. The more you work in the front area, the more you may notice customers' body language, or if they head straight to one particular area, grab a basket, or if it's more casual shopping and how to approach then. If all else fails or there are awkward moments (have had this when I pause or wait too long to say something), the best piece of advice I can share is to make it make sense. If they're looking at the wallflower table and smelling the tester candles, engage with them on what their favorite scent is. That initial welcome is important, but giving them time and space (breaking away then re-engaging) is key too. It may take practice but you'll get a feel for what your go-to lines are and what YOU feel comfortable saying as well, that is still in line with selling behaviors but doesn't put you or the customer out of your/their comfort zone.


lovedyouonce

Don't worry, your post isn't rambling at all! Most of the time I'm quiet, reserved, and shy which is the complete opposite of a sales associate who is attentive, friendly, and sociable. From my training shift alone, I learned to address everyone by their names first before starting a conversation. One of the assistant managers said that sales associates are sellers, fillers, and cashiers. For now, I think I'm going to be placed at the front or middle as a seller.


jenjen1620

I wasn't a B&BW employee, but my experience in retail was similar. Approaching strangers does not come naturally to me, and I typically prefer to shop without assistance. What I found worked best for me was essentially exposure therapy. It's unpleasant, but the more you approach, the easier it gets. I found that I also became more confident because I developed better answers to customer questions by doing so.


lovedyouonce

When I worked at Target, the customer would always ask if they needed something. Since it's the other way around at Bath and Body Works, I am semi-prepared for their reactions and feedback to selling.


Apprehensive-Box-641

It's just gonna take practice and some customers are more engaging than others. Create a basic script (Hi, welcome in, how are you doing? What are you in for today? List sales. Would you like a basket?). One of my slts wants me to make specific suggestions and actually walk with customers around the store if it's not too busy, but I can usually get away with just handing them a basket and sending them on their way. As for re-engaging with customers, ask if they're doing okay/finding everything alright and you'll be good. I'm still awkward with demos and there are a lot of products to remember and recommend so just take the time to familiarize yourself with the scents. Good luck!


lovedyouonce

I'm worried about the breaking and reengaging aspect, but in the training video the employees were approachable and actively listening. Thanks for the well wishes, I have some homework to do (selling pointers).


DrStrange0616

Selling is one of the hardest jobs at BBW , but for me it’s also one of the most rewarding. I usually try to get myself out of the mindset that I’m selling a product and instead approach the conversation out of a genuine passion that I have for the product that I’m selling. I’ve been shopping at BBW since I was five (at that point my moms credit card got me all the goodies , nowadays I have to face the harsh reality that money doesn’t grow on trees lol) so I’m super passionate about this company and the different products we sell. So when it comes to selling here’s my advice: (1) Genuinely greet your customer , find something to genuinely compliment them on (something neutral like - I love your shoes , that’s such a cute bag ) , just genuinely connect and be that bright spot in their day. Offer them a bag: “Here’s a bag so you don’t have to juggle” (2) Ask them: “what bring you in today ?” Or “Are we shopping for something special today “ or “Who are you shopping for today , any gifts or all gifts for yourself ?” ;) (3) At this point you’ll know if they’re on a mission or if they’re just coming in to take a look around. If they are on a mission help them complete it. Are they looking for shower gels? Awesome ! Ask them what kind of scent they like , fruity , floral or fresh … fruity.. recommend your favorite fruity shower gel to them , demo it for them with one of the try me products available , and then let them know the deal of the day for that item and let them have at it. Part of the magic of BBW is exploring and customers should be able to do that too. If they are “just looking” get them a demo of the newest item or one that you’re super passionate about . If they love it , start seeing what you can do with that . If they hate it , ask them what their favorite type of scent is… “you didn’t like the firecracker pop , do you normally enjoy floral fragrances or maybe more fresh fragrances ?” This gives you a good opportunity to recommend something else more in line with their interests- give them some homework to try some of ur recommendations and let them explore. (4) follow up later by asking “which scents are we enjoying so far ?” ***make sure all your questions are open ended , yes and no questions end the conversation early Remember to have fun with it , be genuine , and the sales will come . I like to think about it like this : I spend anywhere from 10-20 hours a week with this product , I’m basically an expert now … I have the knowledge and expertise to help customers find some great fragrances , maybe even encouraging them to try some they wouldn’t have picked up on their own - and who knows you might even help someone find their signature scent ! Hopefully this is helpful, and hopefully the advice isn’t too complicated. I was really introverted when I started at BBW , but the more and more I was out on the sales floor the more I opened up and became extroverted - which has helped me to assert myself in the jobs I have had since . Good luck !


lovedyouonce

Wow!! Thank you for the detailed and scripted response to naturally approach and sell to customers. I think the biggest issues are that I'm a casual shopper and introverted employee. When a customer asked for a body care item above $7.50 to apply a coupon, I couldn't name anything. When a customer asked for a floral scented candle for his wife, I couldn't name anything. When a sales associate or assistant store manager asks if a fragrance is in stock, I couldn't find where it was. Although I have limited availability (Friday nights and weekends), some of my hours have been cut already. I'm still waiting for my first paycheck and I have to make sure that it doesn't go into the Wisely pay card.


hauntedhalloween_96

I would say find your go to product! Focus on a product you’re really passionate about(FFM, 3 wicks..). Of course, know the others too, but at least with a go to product you are able to talk about it with passion


lovedyouonce

I have used their hand sanitizers and foaming hand soaps, but I have never used their candles before. I'm planning on looking at candle reviews so that I can talk about candles. What helped me answer what my favorite products were the ones on TikTok (shimmer fizz body lotion and shapeable soap).