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Working at a Sports Shop

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Billek
Posts: 5665 - Karma: 98
There is this place in a town near me called Sport Tech and I want to get a job there.  In the winter they sell skis, boots bindings outerwear, just a lot of ski and snowboard stuff, and in the summer they sell skate stuff, bikes and some other random sports things.  Does anyone have any tips for getting a job at this kind of store?  I figured there are more than a few people here that worked/have worked at a sports store and I just need some general info.
Jun 20 2007 9:39AM
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snwbrdmilf
Posts: 22441 - Karma: 2,806
Billek, I think you're too smart to need advice. Just apply for the job, let them know you're an avid skier, and you want to work within the industry. They will teach you the basic things you need to know. It's mostly common sense.
Jun 20 2007 10:52AM
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ShadyHillGroup
Posts: 2881 - Karma: 213
yep what was said above, also, i dont know your store too well, but i have buddies who thought they were gunna get sick jobs at ski shops, and end up working in rentals all day. One thing that has helped me is to show your interest in park and pipe. I got offered a job at sales specifically for twin tip equipment, i turned it down because i cant work in the winter, but hey it woulda been a pretty tight job.
Jun 20 2007 10:59AM
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396222687862
Posts: 0 - Karma: 350
my bro applied to the shop, and they responded like 6 months later, we found out the owner lives in our neighborhood. so its not bad. and when my bro leaves, i'll work there, so i basically have a job all set out for me
Jun 20 2007 11:35AM
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Capt.Flannel
Posts: 10928 - Karma: 36
If the stores around you are like the ones around here, go in and be the biggest elitist ski/bike snob you can and you'll be all set.
Jun 20 2007 12:03PM
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BusyJohnSohn
Posts: 3483 - Karma: 29
haha yah thats some money advice right there
Jun 20 2007 12:19PM
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P.J.S.
Posts: 1782 - Karma: 11
you don't need to be an elitist snob, just be knowledgeable and friendly. if you're going to sell shit, you'll need patience to deal with indecisive customers, and the technical knowledge to be able to properly suggest equipment for their ability and style.
Jun 20 2007 1:01PM
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Capt.Flannel
Posts: 10928 - Karma: 36
My comment was more of a slam to the local shops than actual advice.
Jun 20 2007 3:44PM
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P.J.S.
Posts: 1782 - Karma: 11
I'm sorry to hear that, it's too bad more shops don't have reliable people that actually enjoy helping people purchase gear. I like a lot of people don't need someone looking over my shoulder while I shop for gear, but when you need help or a question answered, it's nice to have someone knowledgeable around and willing to answer. Most shop employees i have encountered need to leave the ego at the door. I have boycotted shops due to employees, sad fact.
Jun 20 2007 3:48PM
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kepler.
Posts: 8761 - Karma: 139
this will probably only work if they don't already have a knowledgable staff on twin tip skis. but hey try it. thats pretty much the only reason i got my job
Jun 20 2007 5:11PM
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snwbrdmilf
Posts: 22441 - Karma: 2,806
Not a sad fact. A good fact.
Jun 20 2007 5:25PM
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P.J.S.
Posts: 1782 - Karma: 11
^ it's sad that shops hire shitty employees is what i am saying. i don't care if i have to drive an extra hour or whatever to get what i need. i won't support shops that don't cater to all of their customers needs.
Jun 20 2007 5:29PM
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FUUUCK
Posts: 18426 - Karma: 4,888
lie your ass off, bullshit is the key to working in retail
Jun 20 2007 6:00PM
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ShadyHillGroup
Posts: 2881 - Karma: 213
yea, thats very true but suprisingly there are not many shops with knowledge able staff, and if they have a couple guys they never stay for long, which suchs. I hate the sales man that stands behind your back even when you say your fine you dont need any help. I remember i went to one shop when i needed an order done over night and he kept on talking me out of what i wanted. I needed a pair of rossi fks 155s ordered and he was like sorry were all out of look/rossi bindings for the season, maybe you should look at a compairable salomon binding like the 912....after that i walked out of the store
Jun 20 2007 6:59PM
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Casey
Posts: 7877 - Karma: 24,683
selling skis SUCKS ASS. the public are a bunch of absolute dumbasses. steer clear.
Jun 20 2007 7:07PM
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snwbrdmilf
Posts: 22441 - Karma: 2,806
Oh, right. Whoops. I meant I agree with you on choosing a shop that will have a courteous employee catering to your needs.
Jun 20 2007 8:10PM
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skifree919
Posts: 5842 - Karma: 35
haha i work in at outdoors store named campmor (maybe some of you guys have heard of it), and I'm a sleeping bag salesman. It is pretty funny how dumb some of the people that come in are. But, I would definitely just call them up, don't email, or go in person depending on how close it is and ask about getting a job. That worked for me. I filled out an application, got an interview when i got back from college, and then like 2 days later i started to work. It was pretty sweet. Just go in, be confident even though you will probably be nervous, and talk about stuff you like. I know at my store, they are interested in people who are actually interested in what they are selling, not who are good salesman. Just be yourself, and talk about how much youlove skiing
Jun 20 2007 8:19PM
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kepler.
Posts: 8761 - Karma: 139
are you crazy? how do you not like a job where all you do is talk about what you love. i've had conversations with some of the coolest people ever by working in a ski shop. most of the time i'll explain like 10 different skis for a long ass time but i still love it. just swapping ski stories as work. gotta love it
Jun 21 2007 1:52PM
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