Motivating retail sales staff & forum for retail sales manager?
Asked by Winda
I am looking for tips on how to motivate a retail sales staff. They do receive commission on sales in addition to their pay. Also does anyone know of a useful forum for retail sales managers?

Best Answer:
Personal recognition does a lot to motivate people. Just having your boss say "you did a great job yesterday, thanks for all your hard work" can have a huge impact. Also, try to make sure your staff is "sold" on the products themselves. Most people can sell what they like, as enthusiasm is key to pursausion without pressure. If you can, have meetings where you show them the new products, discuss all the advantages those products have, and why they are better than the competetion's stuff. Also train your staff to answer questions. They'll feel more empowered with more information. And, last but not least, pay them well.

try contests. Have a weekly sales contest. One week, highest sales, next week, maybe highest sales increas, next week, most repeat customers. The list can go on for a long time. The prizes don't have to be expensive, but just something to give that little extra kick. Keep daily track so everyone can see thier progress.
Answered by Jay L

I know this is strange, but how bout having a one on one with your sales staff and really speak with them about what motivates them. Everyone is different. You had two previous responses and one was around money, and the other is personal recognition. What I did when I was a retail sales manager is speak to me people. Gloria may have liked a certain restuarant, and Paul may have need something for his car. I would then tell them that I'm putting together a personal challenge. Looking at there previous sales numbers I would ask them on how many they thought they could sell. I would then increase the number by 5. If Gloria sold the 45 phones that month, I would get her a gift certificate to there favorite restuarant. If she only sold 40, and this was still a good increase I would still get her the gift certificate. If the store would do well as a whole, I would take everyone out to dinner. And let them bring one person of there choice. Different strokes for different folks.
Answered by jpocia03