What I've Been Looking For

Why is it that in a department store floor, the salesrep-per-square-meter density is highest in the socks section? Do you notice it, too? Haha! And it’s true in practically any major department store. It would make sense if the number of sales people was proportional to the product racks that are spread all over the floor or if more sales people are assigned to a certain section if the demand for that product is that high and customers are always looking around. But for some reason, the socks section defies that logic.
The end result is, of course, even when you’re just passing by the area, you get badgered with all the “Sir, socks po!” offers being hurled at you. And when you are actually in search for a nice pair of socks, you will be deluged with all the multi-colored 3-piece sets being shoved into your peripheral vision.

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After the socks section, the belt/wallet section would probably be the runner-up. Apparently, the management is really pushing for these products to be sold. I get really annoyed when sales people follow you around and keep suggesting products for you to check out. I know, I know, they are just doing their job. But I don’t like that they can be too eager sometimes and I don’t like the feeling of turning them down because it turns out that they don’t have what I am looking for. I know – again – that is part and parcel of their business strategy in order to improve sales. Also, when they keep recommending stuff that don’t suit my taste and keep saying no, I feel like I end up seeming too “maselan”, haha!
The other week, I experienced this phenomenon first hand when I was looking to buy for a new wallet. You see, my wallet got stolen about two weeks ago and since then, I’ve been using a recycled red PLDT envelope to put my bills in. I was really feeling the loss of the old one because even if it wasn’t an expensive brand, its compartments and overall design really suited my taste and needs.
Anyway, I was lucky enough to have been serviced by a nice sales lady. She was so helpful without being too fervent. I simply told her what I wanted and in fairness to her, she knew which products to show me. I went home being quite satisfied with my purchase.

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I always knew that a sales career is not for me. I am not comfortable with encouraging people to buy my products. Selling cheesecakes was actually an out-of-my-comfort-zone endeavor for me. I would text my friends, tell them I have a batch coming up this week and ask them if they want to order. Lucky for me, it was almost always a yes. It may mean that my cheesecakes are that delicious (naks!) but I think it has more to do with the fact that I only text my friends who I know have a sweet tooth. I know my target market, haha!
Of course, in the real sales world, it is never that easy. There will be lots of days when you really have to push harder, especially if your rent depends on it. For one to prosper in this kind of career, one would have to have thick skin, not only to be embarrassment-proof whenever one has to resort to petty gimmicks in order make a sale, but to gracefully handle the sting of being turned down. After all, it’s not personal, it’s only business.
But I think the main reason that I know sales is not for me is the feeling of begging. I have way too much pride. If you were to say “no”, I’d most probably say, “okay, fine”. I wouldn’t offer if I think it’ll be bad for you! (Pait! Haha!) Here I am, having shown you the best reasons to take it and yet you fail to see the value in having one. You don’t know what’s good for you then. I’m only going to plead one more time, after that it’ll be your loss, miss.
And she still declined. Oh well.

#29to30