Hot Tub Forum
Original => Hot Tub Forum => Topic started by: hottubdan on April 28, 2006, 11:46:50 am
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I have heard stories of salespeople's attire rainging from t-shirts, cut offs, tattoos to dress shirt and tie.
Customers: How do you expect spa salespeople to dress?
Dealers: Do you have dress codes or guidelines? What are they?
Reps: How do you advise dealers on the subject if you do?
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Dan, you know it's all about the Berkinstocks. ;D
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I forgot about the berks! :D
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The first dealer we talked to was in casual attire. He seemed ok and fairly knowledgable but then again we knew nothing so who knows. My wife was sold on one of their spa's but lucky for us we were not totally ready for one...... 6 months later they were out of business (phoenix spa's). When we were really serious and looking again the dealer we visited (selling Elite Spa I believe) was very very casual (shorts and T-shirt with many tattoo's). His company actually was selilng 2 brands, but I can't remember the other. He was really slamming the one brand to build up the Elite spa. I didn't care much for this type of sales tactic and/or his appearance.
My wife researched and scheduled us a visit at Olympic Hot Tubs (sells Hot Springs). They normally closed at 6pm but the lady said she would stay late so we could come by. We arrived at 6:30pm and she was well dressed and very informative about both the HS and TR tubs. We wet tested a few and left around 8:30pm. I was impressed by Karen at Olympic and we purchased a Vanguard HS tub from Olympic.
IMO, attire does make a difference.
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For me it's sandals, cut offs, and a wife beater.
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The first dealer we talked to was in casual attire. He seemed ok and fairly knowledgable but then again we knew nothing so who knows. My wife was sold on one of their spa's but lucky for us we were not totally ready for one...... 6 months later they were out of business (phoenix spa's). When we were really serious and looking again the dealer we visited (selling Elite Spa I believe) was very very casual (shorts and T-shirt with many tattoo's). His company actually was selilng 2 brands, but I can't remember the other. He was really slamming the one brand to build up the Elite spa. I didn't care much for this type of sales tactic and/or his appearance.
My wife researched and scheduled us a visit at Olympic Hot Tubs (sells Hot Springs). They normally closed at 6pm but the lady said she would stay late so we could come by. We arrived at 6:30pm and she was well dressed and very informative about both the HS and TR tubs. We wet tested a few and left around 8:30pm. I was impressed by Karen at Olympic and we purchased a Vanguard HS tub from Olympic.
IMO, attire does make a difference.
Then I guess this is out of the question...
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/shabba34/marcus1.jpg)
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My wife researched and scheduled us a visit at Olympic Hot Tubs (sells Hot Springs). They normally closed at 6pm but the lady said she would stay late so we could come by. We arrived at 6:30pm and she was well dressed and very informative about both the HS and TR tubs. We wet tested a few and left around 8:30pm. I was impressed by Karen at Olympic and we purchased a Vanguard HS tub from Olympic.
IMO, attire does make a difference.
From what I have heard, Karen probably sold more Vanguards last year than anyone else in the nation. Great spa, great dealer, great salesperson, professionally dressed.
;)
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Then I guess this is out of the question...
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/shabba34/marcus1.jpg)
How gauche!
For me, it's green tights (unless I'm sad, then it's purple) and my Magic Wand and my little hat with a feather.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/d3eea495.jpg)
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Then I guess this is out of the question...
(http://i61.photobucket.com/albums/h75/shabba34/marcus1.jpg)
It depends on whether you can fit in the outfit and properly fill it out.
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I usually wear a HotSpring or Tiger River golf shirt and cargo shorts when it's warm, dockers when it's chilly. Topsiders for shoes or sometimes Crocs when I'm cleaning filters and such.
No earbobs, no tattoos, no belly button bobs neither and sometimes no drawers.
Terminator
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No earbobs, no tattoos, no belly button bobs neither and sometimes no drawers.
Terminator
So your firearms isn't the only way you "go commando"
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I usually wear a HotSpring or Tiger River golf shirt and cargo shorts when it's warm, dockers when it's chilly. Topsiders for shoes or sometimes Crocs when I'm cleaning filters and such.
No earbobs, no tattoos, no belly button bobs neither and sometimes no drawers.
Terminator
Term,
Is it safe to say that you are dressed for work in your avatar (photo)? No earbobs or drawers, but I see that rifles are tolerable. ;)
I think all the dealers I visited had a similar policy/uniform....they all were wearing golf shirts.
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Term,
Is it safe to say that you are dressed for work in your avatar (photo)? No earbobs or drawers, but I see that rifles are tolerable. ;)
I think all the dealers I visited had a similar policy/uniform....they all were wearing golf shirts.
He's in Texas. Firearms required.
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Golf shirt with logo, shorts in the summer. We have a shapely water test girl who likes to get in her bikini to clean the spas and vac the pools, and we let that one slide, because wer'e flexable with our dress code.
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Hi Dan-
It's Troy from San Diego. I definately think attire is crucial and a necessary component to being a successful spa dealer. In our showroom we require the men to wear caldera polo shirts with slacks and dress shoes, if we are outside doing an event, khacki shorts are acceptable.
For the women, because Watkins doesn't have many options (at least on the Caldera side) we just require them to be "business casual"
Up where you are maybe it's less crucial but in my opinion if we have spent all this money to make a nice professional looking store, then the salespeople need to fit that mold as well. Being professional from top to bottom is crucial.
Hope things are going well for you.
Troy
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Hi Dan-
It's Troy from San Diego. I definately think attire is crucial and a necessary component to being a successful spa dealer. In our showroom we require the men to wear caldera polo shirts with slacks and dress shoes, if we are outside doing an event, khacki shorts are acceptable.
For the women, because Watkins doesn't have many options (at least on the Caldera side) we just require them to be "business casual"
Troy
You're in San Diego and you don't let the sales people where flip flops and shorts?
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You're in San Diego and you don't let the sales people where flip flops and shorts?
Definately not, some other companies might allow them to do that, but we don't. In my opinion I don't think it's professional. We are selling $4000-$10,000 products. We should act professional in my opinion.
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Every dealer I have been to seemed to go for the business casual approach usually with some sort of corporate polo shirt.
On a couple occasions I stopped in my dealer on a Saturday when they were doing major work in the showroom and warehouse and he was in jeans and a T-shirt, but their always was a salesman in the building dressed to do sales.
Now, my dealer is probably getting his best clothes ready for court. >:(
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Definately not, some other companies might allow them to do that, but we don't. In my opinion I don't think it's professional. We are selling $4000-$10,000 products. We should act professional in my opinion.
I think this is a good policy.
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He's in Texas. Firearms required.
Guns are for sissies.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/d3eea495.jpg)
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Guns are for sissies.
(http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b206/EastTexasSpa/d3eea495.jpg)
Yeah, right. And magic wands aren't. ::)
Terminator (Big Sissy)
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Wow.
I um - you know what, I don't want to follow that.
I'll post later...
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Definately not, some other companies might allow them to do that, but we don't. In my opinion I don't think it's professional. We are selling $4000-$10,000 products. We should act professional in my opinion.
I don't want a customer stereotyping me due to the way I dress, just as I won't to them. Acting professional and dressing professional are two different perceptions. I agree that there is such a thing as underdressed, but sometimes overdressing can form an uncomfortable situation to the customer. It's all in the confidence in the words you speak, the product you sell, and most importantly, what you believe in. ;)
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Whoa, now I'm freaking out. We agree :o ?!? ;)
I don't want a customer stereotyping me due to the way I dress, just as I won't to them. Acting professional and dressing professional are two different perceptions. I agree that there is such a thing as underdressed, but sometimes overdressing can form an uncomfortable situation to the customer. It's all in the confidence in the words you speak, the product you sell, and most importantly, what you believe in. ;)
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(http://www.watkinsnet.net./Media/MarketingCatalog/HSS%20Wht%20L%20S%20Shirtrevise%20thumb_0.jpg)
OR
(http://www.watkinsnet.net./Media/E-CommerceProductCatalog/Hawaiian%20Shirt%20thumbnail.jpg)
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Whoa, now I'm freaking out. We agree :o ?!? ;)
The end of the world is on us.;D. Hey Wisoki, It's not the first time. I was the one who sort of changed your feelings on ozone on that other website. ;)
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(http://www.watkinsnet.net./Media/MarketingCatalog/HSS%20Wht%20L%20S%20Shirtrevise%20thumb_0.jpg)
Who is that? Kenny Mane with wrinkled pants. ;D
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That's hottubdan and Chas.
Terminator
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I don't want a customer stereotyping me due to the way I dress, just as I won't to them. Acting professional and dressing professional are two different perceptions. I agree that there is such a thing as underdressed, but sometimes overdressing can form an uncomfortable situation to the customer. It's all in the confidence in the words you speak, the product you sell, and most importantly, what you believe in. ;)
I understand what you're saying and agree with you but the reailty is, the first impression people have of you can have a lasting impact, and maybe you sell enough tubs that you don't mind losing a deal, but I know I for one, don't want to lose a deal because of someone's misperception... doesn't make it right, it's just the reality.
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I understand what you're saying and agree with you but the reailty is, the first impression people have of you can have a lasting impact, and maybe you sell enough tubs that you don't mind losing a deal, but I know I for one, don't want to lose a deal because of someone's misperception... doesn't make it right, it's just the reality.
I agree with that as well, but if someone is going to make their decision before they even give me a chance or my product a chance because of the way I am dressed, then I'd rather not have them as a customer anyways. I don't feel I have ever lost a sale because of my attire.
P.S.
My attire is not unprofessional, rather it is comfortable for me and that's most important. You have to be comfortable with yourself first, and the rest will fall into place. Today, I wore a nice button down dress shirt untucked with cargo shorts and berkinstocks. Granted, I only saw the mailman, but I was comfortable. 8)
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I agree with that as well, but if someone is going to make their decision before they even give me a chance or my product a chance because of the way I am dressed, then I'd rather not have them as a customer anyways. I don't feel I have ever lost a sale because of my attire.
P.S.
My attire is not unprofessional, rather it is comfortable for me and that's most important. You have to be comfortable with yourself first, and the rest will fall into place. Today, I wore a nice button down dress shirt untucked with cargo shorts and berkinstocks. Granted, I only saw the mailman, but I was comfortable. 8)
You're right you have to be comfortable with yourself, but when I've spent good money making a nice looking showroom I feel that I am entitled to expect my salespeople to dress in a professional way. We give them enough freedom so that it's not big brother, but that's just our style. Different strokes for different folks.
Question though....Do you have your delivery guys wear logo'd shirts? What about your service techs? I think it's important to show company/brand pride from top to bottom, but then again I only sell one brand of spa and our dealership happens to carry the name of the brand
our dealership is called calderaspasandbaths
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Question though....Do you have your delivery guys wear logo'd shirts? What about your service techs? I think it's important to show company/brand pride from top to bottom, but then again I only sell one brand of spa and our dealership happens to carry the name of the brand
our dealership is called calderaspasandbaths
Yes we do, and welcome to the board. You probably know Bob Harrington real well, he's my RSM.
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Yeah I know Bob, I've known Bob since I was three years old. We usually have a good time on the Watkins trips together. Tell him hello from me.
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Yeah I know Bob, I've known Bob since I was three years old. We usually have a good time on the Watkins trips together. Tell him hello from me.
Will do, meeting with him on Wed. ;)
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My sales staff wear polos or dress oxfords, slacks or khaki's, no sneakers. When it is hot, or outdoor events, they can wear nice cargo-type shorts. I think it does matter. The store, including personnel, needs to look like a place where customers would feel comfortable spending $10,000. Also, if they wear a cap - it must be facing forward (have you ever bought a new car or applied for a bank loan from someone with their hat on backwards?). ;)
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My sales staff wear polos or dress oxfords, slacks or khaki's, no sneakers. When it is hot, or outdoor events, they can wear nice cargo-type shorts. I think it does matter. The store, including personnel, needs to look like a place where customers would feel comfortable spending $10,000. Also, if they wear a cap - it must be facing forward (have you ever bought a new car or applied for a bank loan from someone with their hat on backwards?). ;)
Banker attire is usually suit and tie. This doesn't mean gold suit and alligator shoes.
My opinion is this: What is the downside to having your salesmen wearing golf shirts, dress shoes and slacks?
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Is that really hottubdan and Chas?
(http://www.watkinsnet.net./Media/MarketingCatalog/HSS%20Wht%20L%20S%20Shirtrevise%20thumb_0.jpg)
OR
(http://www.watkinsnet.net./Media/E-CommerceProductCatalog/Hawaiian%20Shirt%20thumbnail.jpg)
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Is that really hottubdan and Chas?
I know it's not Dan... As for Chas???
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Part of what Sandiego had to say was about his showroom. I think a nice showroom is part of this equation. A lot of spa dealers are still pool guys who sell spas and their showrooms look like it. Having a nicely lit, clean, well decorated store can also have a lasting impression on a customer.
If I go to a store that looks cheap, then I expect cheap. If I go to a nicely done store, I know I'll probably pay more, but I expect more. Its just like shopping for furniture. I know when I go to Ethan Allen, I will have a nice showroom to shop in and get good quality. When I go to Joe Bobs Furniture Warehouse - well, I expect warehouse prices and really don't know the quality of service I'll get there. If they have brand name furniture, I still expect cheaper prices, but probably won't get service. With furniture, I don't expect I'll need much service, but with a spa, I figure I'll need help down the road. I want to shop in a store that fits that mold.
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from someone that's not white collar (ring around the collar is more like it), my opinion is as follows:
Wife beaters - not so much, especially if it is stained. :-X
Polo/golf/cargo shirt with logo - groovy :)
shorts - not Richard Simmons or Daisy Duke shorty-shorts (EVEN if the sales person wears a hair net :-X ...it just ain't right)...shorts mid-thigh or knee length ok :)
Tattoos - alright, but offensive ones (nudies, nazis, etc) should be covered.
Body piercings - I'm not really "up" on these, but a small nose ring or eyebrow ring (or couple of earrings) are okay...just don't let me hear your shorts clank.... ???
Deodorant is a must....cuz no one likes a musty sales person.
Let's avoid the greasy look....showers are now "IN" again.
Dress to do the job, which to ME means if you're going to be selling tubs, dress cleanly, but in clothing that allows you to climb in and out of the tubs safely and comfortably...and I personally don't mind seeing someone sell large ticket items in jeans.
Just my $.02, of course......... ;D ;)
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Part of what Sandiego had to say was about his showroom. I think a nice showroom is part of this equation. A lot of spa dealers are still pool guys who sell spas and their showrooms look like it. Having a nicely lit, clean, well decorated store can also have a lasting impression on a customer.
If I go to a store that looks cheap, then I expect cheap. If I go to a nicely done store, I know I'll probably pay more, but I expect more. Its just like shopping for furniture. I know when I go to Ethan Allen, I will have a nice showroom to shop in and get good quality. When I go to Joe Bobs Furniture Warehouse - well, I expect warehouse prices and really don't know the quality of service I'll get there. If they have brand name furniture, I still expect cheaper prices, but probably won't get service. With furniture, I don't expect I'll need much service, but with a spa, I figure I'll need help down the road. I want to shop in a store that fits that mold.
true statements. i agree completely