Two sales, since I left you.
One customer needed 274-0709[1] and then the other got 278-1640[2].
The dialog spoken during the motorola plug sale was the kind that I like to here.
SON: I need a...(interrupted by father)
FATHER: I broke the antenna for my radio.
SON: His car stereo. We need a replacement plug.
ME: Okay (and walk over to the wall, pick one up, and hand it to the son)
SON: That's it. (Looks to FATHER) I told you they'd have it.
FATHER: I wonder why the one in the mall didn't have it.
That's the kinda thing I like to hear. We try to keep all the stuff that a corporate store doesn't, and then make sure that we KNOW what everything is. Corporate stores are terrible. Let me explain why.
A few months ago, I went to apply for a Sales Associate position in the Corporate RadioShack world. Went to the District Office (which is in Georgetown, perhaps one of the worst stores in the area) for the orientation. Yes orientation. They give you, and anyone else who shows, a kind of introduction and pep-talk before and during the application process. I guess it's supposed to help weed out the riff-raff. I think of it as a big horn-blowing ceremony where they can say that they are the best, hire only the best, pay the best (if you sell the most), eat, shit, and die the best.......
Anyway, the main focus of RadioShack's hiring process is to find people who are motivated sellers. They don't give a rat's ass if you know what in the hell something does, just as long as you can sell it. That's almost the words that were told to me by the one Store Manager (I can't remember which store, but believe it was one in Lexington) after he read my application and found that I have a background in a Franchise store. He dropped and ashamedly shook his head while he told me that they hire sales people, and then try to train them to know something. You could know everything about electronics, and still, not be hired if you can't sell, sell, sell.
Shove those HTIBs and wireless phones down every customer's throat. (my opinion, not a quote or anything). Ignore the DIYers, what they want either can't be done (sometimes true, but not all the time) or we don't have it (when it's hanging on the wall, hidden in a corner, covered in dust).
That's why the parts bins were introduced. A giant signal to the associate to stay away from this customer, because they probably know what they want, and if you interfere you'll just fuck up the sale.
I'm sorry. I don't really care for RadioShack's practices anymore.
I'll be right back. I need to step outside for a smoke. (our store is non-smoking)