Survival Strategies for Introverted Retail Sales Associates During Peak Customer Shopping Seasons

As hiring is up during the peak holiday shopping season, many personality types are drawn to retail sales jobs. You have the bubbly and dramatic personalities - the extroverts and you have the reserved and analytical personalities - the introverts. Both personalities have to face the most challenging aspect of retail, how to effectively serve the customers, some who are angelic and others who are belligerent. Being able to relate more to the second personality type and knowing the flustered feeling that comes with large, demanding crowds swarming in, I have compiled ten useful, strategies for effectively communicating with customers and reducing feelings of anxiety.

1. Be open to challenges. When you run into hectic situations that come with trying to be a crowd pleaser, pretend that you are on a reality show such as Fear Factor or Super Nanny. You must risk doing uncomfortable things in order to win a financial reward and to help the retail industry operate smoothly. Don't be shocked if something happens that you weren't trained to handle. This is a learning experience.

2. Keep your composure at all times. This means to show confidence and never let customers see you panic. If the customer is nervous, don't let that make you nervous. Instead, stay calm. For example, avoid shaking your head repeatedly to show agreement when a customer is complaining. Since that is a sign of nervousness, try listening without moving while giving eye contact and thinking of a reasonable solution.

3. Be willing to help. Don't avoid helping someone because you are intimidated by their demeanor, gender, or age. In other words, don't assume a person's mood. Just because their not smiling, don't think that they're angry at you. Introverts should remember to put aside their thoughts and be customer-focused. Speak to all customers, no matter what. Maybe if you smile at them, they will smile back. If customers don't respond, don't be offended because you did what you were supposed to do.

4. Be agreeable rather than defensive (but don't make the company look bad). If a customer disputes the amount of an item printed on his or her receipt and yells at you, "The sign says 50% off!" respond with, "You're right. The location of this sign is confusing. From the small print at the bottom, I believe that this sign refers to the sweater on the other side of it. We apologize and appreciate you calling this to our attention, and we will work on making the signs more clear."

5. Be objective. Remember that as a sales associate, you have more authority and knowledge about the company than the customers. So, don't let the customers pressure you into tremendously lower prices when there are no price tags on items. Call for price checks.

6. Be knowledgeable so you don't feel rushed. During price checks, sales associates can really feel pressured when they are not able to find the location of an item that is missing a price tag, and the customer isn't able to tell you. To prevent this, be familiar with all areas so that when the time comes, you can go right to an item or search in an orderly manner.

7. Be a problem solver. When problems occur, sales associates should not feel intimidated and think that the problem can only be solved by a manager. Have faith in yourself, and make it your first resort to think of reasonable solutions.

8. Don't let your weaknesses make you feel incompetent. If a customer criticizes you for an area that you are weak in, remember that you have other strengths that others don't have. Recall your successes and move on.

9. Know how to use small talk and laugh with customers. To engage customers in conversations, compliment the items they are buying, visible children, or something interesting that is right around you.

10. Don't let dilemmas overwhelm you. Remember that everyone makes mistakes and one bad incident doesn't have to ruin your whole day. Keep your head up.

It should finally be noted that working in retail is great experience for anyone, especially students because it teaches them people skills. It is inevitable that retail sales associates will run into snags every now and then in terms of misunderstandings, but no one should constantly feel distressed during customer interactions. Introverts will successfully be able to survive challenges by following the strategies above.