For many shoppers, encountering overly enthusiastic salesladies while browsing through department stores can be an uncomfortable experience.
A recent tweet criticizing the sales tactics of Watsons drew attention to this common sentiment among shoppers. However, Nina Ellaine Cabrera, the CEO and founder of Colourette Cosmetics, provided a valuable perspective on why salespersons remain a crucial part of traditional shopping.
To give some insight—most of the brands you see inside Watsons/SM Store are under consignment wc means the items don’t get paid unless they are sold. Brands deploy brand ambassadors to help push out and upsell products and these BAs have monthly targets to hit. 💸 1/n https://t.co/uDdfHdwbhl
— Nina Cabrera 💖 (@theninaellaine) April 13, 2023
Cabrera acknowledged that sales targets are an integral part of the salesperson’s job, and exceeding these targets often leads to commissions.
It is imperative that brands train their ambassadors to be both receptive and sensitive to their customers. Be helpful when needed and keep their unsolicited advice to themselves when not asked. 💯 3/n
— Nina Cabrera 💖 (@theninaellaine) April 13, 2023
However, she emphasized the need for businesses to strike a balance between upselling through their ambassadors while avoiding being intrusive to their customers. This challenge requires brands to create a shopping experience that is both engaging and enjoyable for their customers.
Cabrera also reminded shoppers that sales ladies are just doing their jobs and that customers are free to express their preference to shop alone if they desire to do so.
Also, please don’t be shy to tell the sales ladies you don’t need help. Their default is to assist you, they are usually trained this way by the store.
— Nina Cabrera 💖 (@theninaellaine) April 13, 2023
