Sales job in Macy's Fragrance or Jewelery is better?

Question

I just get a job offter from macy's. only these two department which have open have commission. Which one sales better?
And if i want to transfer to Lancome or other cosmetic brand, should i choose Fragrance now?

Answer 1

Here is my view point as a potential customer:

Unless English is his or her second language, I would be hesitant to buy from somebody with poor grammar. I don't think it makes the person sound intelligent or as though they know about what they are selling. I've walked out of stores where it was apparent to me that the person's first language was English, but s/he just had a poor grasp of the basics.


It's not about commission for me. On the rare occasions I've been to stores that do commission, it seems as though the salespeople care more about selling me something than the customer. When think I'm in a commission store, I walk out without buying. Now that I know Macy's has commission departments, I'm even less likely to shop there. (I think the last time I was in a Macy's was actually when it was Lazarus in Ohio, before Macy's bought them out.)
I want a sales person to know the product they are to sell. S/He should know the difference between a diamond and a cubic zirconium and can tell the difference between platinum and silver buy look and touch.

However, I don't wear perfume as I think it's too stinky and offensive, especially to people who have allergies. As it is, those annoying scent card in magazines make my eyes burn. I have to rip them out before I can even read the magazine. Regular showering and deoderant are sufficient for me.

I've also never been big on jewelry. I didn't start wearing anything regularly until I accepted my husband's engagement ring. As it was, I thought the full carat diamond was too big, too flashy and too expensive. If I were to buy jewelry, I would go to a local mom and pop store. I not only prefer to support local businesses, but I know they know their stuff. (Actually, there is one store I would go to above any other and it's in Western NY where my family has gone for generations. The family who owns my store knows my family on a personal level. Can't beat that.)

As for whether or not you should choose fragrance if you want to transfer, or which department has more sales (it might be a toss up with the upcoming materialistic greed, er, "holiday" shopping season) you would have to ask a manager of your particular store. S/He would know. However, I don't think I would ask because it would then look as though I was more interested in my own personal benefits and not customer's or the stores.

Answer 2

I know this has been 6 years but when I came across this it really bothered me ...After reading the "Best Answer" response to the question I was really shocked at the answer this person above gave. I don't recall reading the person above asking your opinion on their english and how well they speak or their grammar. Thought that was a tad bit rude. Being accepting of everyone and not judging is a good rule of thumb in any and every situation.

As a current Macys employee who happens to work in fragrances for many years, I see this as being a real serious question. Commission sales is your lively hood in retail jobs especially in big retail chains as big as this because they pay minimum wage to most of their employees and most of the time only hire part time. The difference between working in one area to another can really make a difference in your paycheck. Just FYI too: most retail stores as big as these chains ALL have commissioned sales areas such as Shoes, Fragrances, Cosmetics, Fine Jewelry... and most other clothing departments and housewares departments get kick backs or bonus' for making their monthly goals. Some other chains like Nordstrom, the employees make commission on everything in the store they sell, so if commission sales aren't your thing better steer clear of all major chains and stick to the local mom and pa shops.

Maybe this said person had a bad experience with people who work in sales commission jobs. I can tell you that the fragrance counter I work for and the fragrance companies I sell for and represent take giving their employees the best education very seriously. Whenever we get new fragrances we get training, 4 times a year we have counter meetings for refreshers, we constantly get new material to read up on to be able to help our customers. I do agree that supporting local business helps your community but I don't agree that they will know their product better.

I've worked commission jobs for a long time and I have never experienced myself or other coworkers "pressuring or just caring about selling items" However last I checked when someone goes into a store such as Macys they came in with the purpose of buying something so that is what our jobs are is to assist. I don't feel I need to pressure or sell anything because I hate to inform you there's a thing called returns and buyers remorse. If I ask someone if I can assist them and they just want to look, that's completely okay but I also let them know that Im there to help them if they need me.

I also don't understand why saying wether you do or don't wear jewelry or buy fragrances has anything to do with the question. FROM my point of view to answer the question you asked simply, do what makes you happy and something you love selling. I would also give the advice of meeting both teams from whatever department it is that you decide your interested in and see how you vibe with them, manager included. The money is important but if you are miserable in your surrounds it shows and you won't be as successful in what you are doing. That goes for anyone that is reading this. (fragrance makes more during the holidays but jewelry is probably more consistent throughout the year) Hope that helps.