Attributes needed for working in a drum shop?

Alex M · #1 07-30-2007, 11:58 PM

Hi all,

Just wondering if any of you folks can help me, I'm thinking of applying for a job in a local drum shop as a general assistant/sales person, What I wanted to know is...What is the most important skills needed? I'm confident that I'm good with helping people and am always interested in the latest products etc but am wondering if you have to be a genius at playing and tuning to work in a drum shop? I can play a little but I'm quite average technique wise, and my tuning is not amazing...Would this stop me from getting the job or do you think the tuning side of things could be something I'd pick up on the job?. Your replies would be much appreciated, Cheers Al.

mikei · #2 07-31-2007, 12:08 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex M

Hi all,

Just wondering if any of you folks can help me, I'm thinking of applying for a job in a local drum shop as a general assistant/sales person, What I wanted to know is...What is the most important skills needed? I'm confident that I'm good with helping people and am always interested in the latest products etc but am wondering if you have to be a genius at playing and tuning to work in a drum shop? I can play a little but I'm quite average technique wise, and my tuning is not amazing...Would this stop me from getting the job or do you think the tuning side of things could be something I'd pick up on the job?. Your replies would be much appreciated, Cheers Al.

As long as you are a good people person and know the product well, that should be all you need. Most good sales people understand the products they are selling and believe in them.

I believe you will need to increase your skill in tuning. But, I do not think that you need to be an expert player to be able to sell drums well.

gmrakich · #3 07-31-2007, 12:26 AM

Product knowledge is king. You can be a sax player and be a great drum salesmen if you know your product line. Listening to what people are asking you is the most important thing you can do.

Alex M · #4 07-31-2007, 12:37 AM

Thanks folks, I'm going to have a stab at getting the job and will let you know how I get on, my lack of tuning experience may count against me but I do know the brands etc so fingers crossed! Al :)

DamoSyzygy · #5 07-31-2007, 02:09 AM

Selling skills first, drum knowledge/ability second. It doesnt matter how much you know about drums if you cannot qualify customers or communicate in a manner that appeals to their interests.

Its also very important to be organised. If a customer leaves you a message, call him/her back as soon as you can. Answer emails. Go the extra step each time and watch your clientelle grow.

Michael Beechey · #6 07-31-2007, 02:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex M

Hi all,

Just wondering if any of you folks can help me, I'm thinking of applying for a job in a local drum shop as a general assistant/sales person,
.

Hi,

I was thinking of doing the same....I noticed that it seems to be like having a doctor....if you start researching the meds he gives you, etc....very soon you learn more about your ailment than he does...especially considering alternative healing...etc

....I think it's important to be up to date and knowledgeable...I went to a drum only shop once and was talking about the Vic Firth site, and he didn't even seem to be aware or interested in it. Same thing for new products. Some drum shop guys kind of fossilize at whatever stage they were in when they stopped playing full time and/or don't have a general knowledge base.....percussion in general, hand drums, etc....they are probably burned out somewhat by the music scene and their cynicism shows...it must be hard listening to all those guys who come in on the Saturdays to show their chops off and all the floaters who just want to bash on an e-kit.

Bottom line...be sure you really want to do it, retail is a special kind of fish...and needs people who really want to be in it, with the motivation of full customer support....whatever that implies..

good luck!

DamoSyzygy · #7 07-31-2007, 02:20 AM

Quote:

it must be hard listening to all those guys who come in on the Saturdays to show their chops off and all the floaters who just want to bash on an e-kit.

Hah! This man speaks the truth!

zappafan · #8 07-31-2007, 03:28 AM

Apparently, from what I hear from our brothers in the U.S., to work at guitar center all you need is a pulse. ;) Knowledge doesn't seem to be key according to many people.

What I would look for is a general knowledge and a willingness to learn. It's great to be as good as Bonham, but I don't believe it's necessary. Have a good attitude and listen and learn. After all, you aren't curing cancer, you're selling drums.

Good luck! I'm sure you'll do fine. :)

Peace.

maddrummr · #9 07-31-2007, 06:02 AM

You need to know not just the products, but many of the terms as well. You should know what is meant when a customer comes in and is looking for a dark sounding cymbal or a snare with crack.

This makes it easy on you and the customer.

harryconway · #10 07-31-2007, 08:49 AM

As far as getting a Guitar Center gig, you have to go on-line and take a test before you ever talk to a human being. For a local mom/pop shop, probably trust, more than anything else, will get you the gig. Do they already know you? Do they like you? Do you have any prior retail experience? You can always teach a cat to run a regester, but if he already knows and is not shy about handling money, that's a plus. Your drumming technique should matter little. You're not being hired to impress people with your paradiddle's. Tuning skills, you'll get better, especially if you become the guy that assembles all the new kits. Product knowledge is essential. And being able to multi-task. Hope you get the gig. Good luck.

fijjibo · #11 07-31-2007, 12:25 PM

Harry - I love how you refer to a shop as a gig.

I do the same.....

Im trying to score a coffee shop gig at the moment, to fuel my drum addiction.

Anyway - Good luck getting the job, Im sure youll get it fine.

#12 07-31-2007, 01:53 PM

I have a John Lewis gig and it's bloody irritating...

DestinationDrumming · #13 07-31-2007, 04:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mediocrefunkybeat

I have a John Lewis gig and it's bloody irritating...

Ah but they smile so much, those John Lewis giggers! and they're very helpful especially when you've bought something used it, don't want it anymore and want your money back :-)

Ok here are the top things you need in retail:

4 areas

RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE
Persuasive - You have to sell things or you don't help the business survive
Self-Control - No shouting or getting irritated at the punters
Empathic - You have to be able to place yourself in the punters shoes
Participative - You will be part of a team and should be comfortable working as part of a team (which means that supurb chops and tuning are less important than knowing who else in the shop can do these things)
Sociable - If you don't like people retail ain't for you

THINKING STYLE
Analytical - You need to be able to analyse what the punter wants from what they are saying and be able to work out which product is right for them. Being able to analyse the product information is also useful!
Flexible - Punters are not all the same. You need to adopt different approaches to different people
Innovative - Depends on the role but maybe needed to come up with different marketing strategies or ways to sell
Structured - If you don't keep good books you don't know what you've sold, or have in stock...or what commission you're due
Detail Conscious - Put the decimal point in the right place, make sure you talk about the right model/brand of kit
Conscientious - You gotta be keen to close the deal. No-one makes it in sales without closing the deal.

FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS
Resilience - Times get tough, punters get irritating, you get worn down! You have to be comfortable bouncing back.
Competitive - If you don't care who gets the sale, you or another shop, then your shop will go out of business.
Results Orientated - You have to be targets driven. Again depends on the store but most, who want to get the best from you, will give you targets and you have to be comfortable working to meet them.
Energetic - Oh yes! Even after the week from hell with 4 gigs and less than 20 hours sleep for the week. No good going into work and slouching like a petulant teen. You have to be looking and sounding like youu're keen.

ABILITY AND KNOWLEDGE
Numerical - Calculating discounts (possibly), making sure the till roll looks right i.e. when punter buys 5 cymbals and the total cost comes to £28.50 rather than £285.
Verbal - To be able to string a sentence together and to be able to read and understand product data.
Techincal - Is it a drum or a waste basket?

Research shows the top three are much more important than the last one so at least that's one thing off your mind!

I design this type of recruitment/development process for a living so if you do need any help at all in filling out the application form or the interview give me a shout and I'll be happy to help out as much as I can.

Good luck - the first hurdle is over....you decided to apply!

Kevin

Alex M · #14 07-31-2007, 05:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DestinationDrumming

Ah but they smile so much, those John Lewis giggers! and they're very helpful especially when you've bought something used it, don't want it anymore and want your money back :-)

Ok here are the top things you need in retail:

4 areas

RELATIONSHIPS WITH PEOPLE
Persuasive - You have to sell things or you don't help the business survive
Self-Control - No shouting or getting irritated at the punters
Empathic - You have to be able to place yourself in the punters shoes
Participative - You will be part of a team and should be comfortable working as part of a team (which means that supurb chops and tuning are less important than knowing who else in the shop can do these things)
Sociable - If you don't like people retail ain't for you

THINKING STYLE
Analytical - You need to be able to analyse what the punter wants from what they are saying and be able to work out which product is right for them. Being able to analyse the product information is also useful!
Flexible - Punters are not all the same. You need to adopt different approaches to different people
Innovative - Depends on the role but maybe needed to come up with different marketing strategies or ways to sell
Structured - If you don't keep good books you don't know what you've sold, or have in stock...or what commission you're due
Detail Conscious - Put the decimal point in the right place, make sure you talk about the right model/brand of kit
Conscientious - You gotta be keen to close the deal. No-one makes it in sales without closing the deal.

FEELINGS AND EMOTIONS
Resilience - Times get tough, punters get irritating, you get worn down! You have to be comfortable bouncing back.
Competitive - If you don't care who gets the sale, you or another shop, then your shop will go out of business.
Results Orientated - You have to be targets driven. Again depends on the store but most, who want to get the best from you, will give you targets and you have to be comfortable working to meet them.
Energetic - Oh yes! Even after the week from hell with 4 gigs and less than 20 hours sleep for the week. No good going into work and slouching like a petulant teen. You have to be looking and sounding like youu're keen.

ABILITY AND KNOWLEDGE
Numerical - Calculating discounts (possibly), making sure the till roll looks right i.e. when punter buys 5 cymbals and the total cost comes to £28.50 rather than £285.
Verbal - To be able to string a sentence together and to be able to read and understand product data.
Techincal - Is it a drum or a waste basket?

Research shows the top three are much more important than the last one so at least that's one thing off your mind!

I design this type of recruitment/development process for a living so if you do need any help at all in filling out the application form or the interview give me a shout and I'll be happy to help out as much as I can.

Good luck - the first hurdle is over....you decided to apply!

Kevin

Thanks to all for good luck wishes, and Kevin for the detailed post - much appreciated!. My interview is tomorrow, no time was set - I was just told to come into the shop at anytime so it seems rather relaxed. It's an environment I very much want to work in, more than anything I'm a little concerned I may appear TOO keen to land the job!. I've done barwork before so am used to dealing with people at all ends of the personality spectrum, building work ala Bonham which has given me the strength to lug around full hardware cases etc, and am a trained chef so know a little about working LONG hours on my feet in sometimes stressful conditions. I hope these factors count for something :)

Thanks again for everyones constructive comments, I will let you know how I get on :)

Alex.

voldak · #15 08-01-2007, 01:31 AM

Good luck on your interview. Hopefully you get it. I'd much rather work at a drumshop than a Library like i do now :(

#16 08-01-2007, 02:36 AM

Destination: Finally somebody who doesn't complain about our business...

DestinationDrumming · #17 08-01-2007, 09:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mediocrefunkybeat

Destination: Finally somebody who doesn't complain about our business...

Nah, always found staff there better than in most stores. Used to be run on a better business model where all staff members owned a bit of the company! As they say, 'the grass is always greener' and I've jumped a few fences in my time to find a field of sh*te'.

Ironcobra · #18 08-01-2007, 10:00 PM

if the customer needs help, chances are you know enough to help them, go for it, im sure you have plenty of knowledge to get you through it, i just applied at a store, if i dont get it, im going to apply at a drum shop, it would be a perfect job

GRUNTERSDAD · #19 08-02-2007, 12:02 AM

Patience, compassion, knowledge, truthfulness, fairness.

A short story. When I went to buy my first computer at my local Gateway Store a few years ago, I walked in with my checkbook in hand knowing what I wanted. A sales person must have smelled my checkbook. She looked up and asked if she could help me. I told her I knew what I wanted but to go ahead and finish with the couple she was working with. She dropped them like a bad habit. Now whether or they they were finished and just chatting I don't know, but it looked as if she was dieing for a commission and saw my checkbook and made a bee line for me.

Don't be that be that type of sales person. I felt sorry for the couple. You will get your commissions in the long run but please don't ever drop someone so rudely.

#20 08-02-2007, 01:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DestinationDrumming

Nah, always found staff there better than in most stores. Used to be run on a better business model where all staff members owned a bit of the company! As they say, 'the grass is always greener' and I've jumped a few fences in my time to find a field of sh*te'.

Actually, we still run that business model. But no matter, apparently it's not what it used to be.

Tutin · #21 08-02-2007, 03:22 AM

I'm in the same place, thinking about applying for a drum store that's about 5 minutes from where I'll be living at uni. John Lewis, what a store, what a store...

Good luck man!

DestinationDrumming · #22 08-03-2007, 12:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex M

My interview is tomorrow, no time was set - I was just told to come into the shop at anytime so it seems rather relaxed. I will let you know how I get on :)

Alex.

Alex,
How did you get on?

MFB
You gotta print this thread and take it in to your manager, must be worth a couple of house points for such great publicity :-)

mikeybbdrummin · #23 08-03-2007, 01:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex M

Hi all,

Just wondering if any of you folks can help me, I'm thinking of applying for a job in a local drum shop as a general assistant/sales person, What I wanted to know is...What is the most important skills needed? I'm confident that I'm good with helping people and am always interested in the latest products etc but am wondering if you have to be a genius at playing and tuning to work in a drum shop? I can play a little but I'm quite average technique wise, and my tuning is not amazing...Would this stop me from getting the job or do you think the tuning side of things could be something I'd pick up on the job?. Your replies would be much appreciated, Cheers Al.

Learn as much as you can about what you are selling. I have done retail for over 15 years. The most important thing to NOT do; DO NOT LIE!! It will come back to haunt you. Its easier to tell what you know as opposed to remembering what you dont. If you dont know the answer, the most customers will appreciate you being honest and asking someone to assist you as opposed to B.S.ing your way through a question. And the more you know you will have no reason to lie. Also try and remember people's names. Its better to say; Hi, Rick how everything? Then just a basic Hi. It will make "Rick" feel important. Good luck.

#24 08-03-2007, 02:56 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mikeybbdrummin

Learn as much as you can about what you are selling. I have done retail for over 15 years. The most important thing to NOT do; DO NOT LIE!! It will come back to haunt you. Its easier to tell what you know as opposed to remembering what you dont. If you dont know the answer, the most customers will appreciate you being honest and asking someone to assist you as opposed to B.S.ing your way through a question. And the more you know you will have no reason to lie. Also try and remember people's names. Its better to say; Hi, Rick how everything? They just a basic Hi. It will make "Rick" feel important. Good luck.

Absolutely. Never ever lie to a customer. If you're not sure on something, there's no shame in saying 'I'm not sure, I'll go and ask my manager' or something along those lines. I've never lied at work, and I'm proud to admit that. I know for a fact that if I did, I wouldn't still be in my job. However, always be confident in what you say. For instance, if you're working in a place like I do and somebody's television hasn't come in as ordered, you tell the customer 'I'm very sorry, but it appears as if there's been a mistake with your order.' But don't look shy. You will get eaten alive. Most of the time, people are fine, if they're not ok and start shouting at you, they are no longer your concern and you can refer them to higher authorities. Always say everything with conviction and NEVER, EVER lie to a customer; even if it means saying something that they don't necessarily want to hear.

Destination; if my manager weren't leaving, I'd mention it to her. As it is, I'm on holiday from work right now and she's leaving during my holiday. Lovely woman.

Alex M · #25 08-05-2007, 02:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DestinationDrumming

Alex,
How did you get on?

MFB
You gotta print this thread and take it in to your manager, must be worth a couple of house points for such great publicity :-)

Thanks to all whom asked how the interview went and wished me good luck, much appreciated fellow drummers :)

Hi Kevin,

I turned up to the interview prompt and on time, only to be told by an assistant that the job had gone the day before. I was very dissapointed that the establishment in question didn't call (or email me) to inform me of this...Afterall it was an arranged interview. I didn't expect to get the job but hoped to at least have a shot at it. If I'd had the interview and missed out, well, that's ok, but to take time off my current employment and not even have the manager (who was hidden out the back) apologise for the wasted journey etc really annoyed me. The shop in question is a fantastic drum store, it's just a shame that their growing reputation as a customer non-friendly business has elevated further....

Cheers, Alex :)

DestinationDrumming · #26 08-05-2007, 12:06 PM

Looks like you had a lucky escape then. If they treat potential staff this way imagine what it would be like if you got the job. One of the things about any organisation interviewing is to treat your interviewees as potential customers...so I guess they haven't impressed you much!

Keep looking the right drum shop job is waiting round the corner!

Tutin · #27 08-07-2007, 11:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DestinationDrumming

Looks like you had a lucky escape then. If they treat potential staff this way imagine what it would be like if you got the job. One of the things about any organisation interviewing is to treat your interviewees as potential customers...so I guess they haven't impressed you much!

Good point! 20 characters