Those who know how to start a dollar store recognize the importance of establishing guidelines and procedures before they even open their store for business.
They recognize this must be done for every aspect of their business where employees will be involved.
Whether it is customer service, store maintenance and upkeep, cashiering or handling merchandise there must be a clear set of documented guidelines to be followed.
In this article I present 4 important steps in dollar store merchandise handling.
STEP #1) Develop a comprehensive set of stock handling procedures.
Write them down.
It is important to document the most important procedures associated with stock handling.
Think about the steps of the process from the arrival of freight until items are on display.
Don't forget to add details associated with back stocking excess dollar store merchandise and the steps to locate and replenish floor stock with back stock merchandise.
STEP #2) Always focus on customer service when stocking shelves.
Those who know how to start a dollar store always place customer service at the top of the list for every employee.
They build customer service guidelines and procedures into every job, including stock handling.
Each stock handler learns how to properly address the most common customer situations.
Each stock handler assumes customer service duties as a part of their job.
They make customer service a top priority.
STEP #3) Train stock personnel before they start working on the sales floor.
Just as you had to learn how to start a dollar store, so too will each new employee find it challenging to handle their assigned tasks without some training and support.
Invest in the success of your new employees by providing training on their job.
Never just throw them into a job without proper training.
Always train to the documented guidelines and procedures you have established.
Then hold employees accountable to performing to their training.
STEP #4) Assign a work buddy to new stock handler.
While handling dollar store merchandise may seem simple and straightforward to some, for others it is a challenge.
Even with training most will have questions.
Your goal is for them to succeed.
One of the best ways to support that goal is by assigning a trained and experienced buddy worker.
This person can answer questions, demonstrate proper techniques, provide encouragement, and role model the right way to handle the job.
To your success as you discover how to start a dollar store!
They recognize this must be done for every aspect of their business where employees will be involved.
Whether it is customer service, store maintenance and upkeep, cashiering or handling merchandise there must be a clear set of documented guidelines to be followed.
In this article I present 4 important steps in dollar store merchandise handling.
STEP #1) Develop a comprehensive set of stock handling procedures.
Write them down.
It is important to document the most important procedures associated with stock handling.
Think about the steps of the process from the arrival of freight until items are on display.
Don't forget to add details associated with back stocking excess dollar store merchandise and the steps to locate and replenish floor stock with back stock merchandise.
STEP #2) Always focus on customer service when stocking shelves.
Those who know how to start a dollar store always place customer service at the top of the list for every employee.
They build customer service guidelines and procedures into every job, including stock handling.
Each stock handler learns how to properly address the most common customer situations.
Each stock handler assumes customer service duties as a part of their job.
They make customer service a top priority.
STEP #3) Train stock personnel before they start working on the sales floor.
Just as you had to learn how to start a dollar store, so too will each new employee find it challenging to handle their assigned tasks without some training and support.
Invest in the success of your new employees by providing training on their job.
Never just throw them into a job without proper training.
Always train to the documented guidelines and procedures you have established.
Then hold employees accountable to performing to their training.
STEP #4) Assign a work buddy to new stock handler.
While handling dollar store merchandise may seem simple and straightforward to some, for others it is a challenge.
Even with training most will have questions.
Your goal is for them to succeed.
One of the best ways to support that goal is by assigning a trained and experienced buddy worker.
This person can answer questions, demonstrate proper techniques, provide encouragement, and role model the right way to handle the job.
To your success as you discover how to start a dollar store!