Gunes

"I believe everybody has the potential to be a good salesperson. You need to think of the sale like a customer coming to your house as a guest. Show them the same kind of respect, the same kind of concern - and then smiling comes naturally. I do not fake these things."

You were recently recognized for your exceptional sales performance. Why do you enjoy selling and what makes it particularly rewarding on a daily basis?

I started at Bloomingdale's to work with customers. I like to talk to them and listen to their problems and I think they really enjoy talking to me. When they tell me their thoughts, I feel like I am doing more than selling. I really enjoy listening to them and when I see in their eyes that they are content and satisfied, it makes me very happy. This is the biggest reason I am in sales and really enjoy dealing with the customers.

What abilities or personal attributes make you a great salesperson?

I think it is in my nature to be a great salesperson. I've realized that you must have a positive attitude regardless of any situation, difficult or easy. When you show a pleasant, positive attitude it makes a big difference with the customer. I believe this kind of attitude has helped me reach my goals.

What do you do to build relationships with customers and why is this important to you?

I don't only sell on the floor. It isn't over when I close the sale. I want to build some kind of relationship with my customers. I call them from time to time to let them know certain things. When I show them respect and attention, they don't forget me and they call me too. It is very important for me to show them that I care, not just for the sale, but that I am really concerned about what they bought and if they received the items in the right time. This type of communication is important for me to make them happy and satisfied.

Providing consistent customer service is an ongoing challenge. How does your personal contribution and passion for the customer make your store the best it can be every day?

I believe if we work as a team and deeply understand the stores, we will come to understand the needs of our customers and be ready to solve their problems. By having a positive attitude, we are becoming more than just a business, but also a place where our customers can come and socialize.

What are your trade secrets? Are there any "techniques" you use to help initiate and/or close a sale?

I think it is not really a technique. I believe everybody has the potential to be a good salesperson. You need to think of the sale like a customer coming to your house as a guest. Show them the same kind of respect, the same kind of concern - and then smiling comes naturally. I do not fake these things. I call customers by their names and tell them that "I am very happy to meet you and to talk to you." I close the sale as if they are leaving my house and tell them that I would like to see them again. And I genuinely do want to see them again.

What is your most memorable sale?

I remember a few customers that looked so very happy when I was working with them. Some customers have talked to my supervisor and mentioned that although they could get our products elsewhere, they came to Bloomingdale's to work with me. This made me feel really honored and happy. That they felt that kind of trust means that I accomplished my goal. This was the most memorable moment because they were saying this in a very sincere way. They said that they really appreciate our kind of service and that's why they are coming here. Bloomingdale's is my store, my business, that's why I feel that I have to be very responsible.