Help me sell stuff knowledgably

August 21, 2009 9:03 AM

I'm about to start work in an electronics shop (mobile phones, hifis, computers etc) and would love some tips.

I want to make the transition as smooth as possible both for myself and my trainer. I haven't kept up to date with developments in the IBM-PC hardware area for a number of years as I now a mac and therefore lost interest. My Windows and Mac software knowledge is fine. But what about all the new acronyms and developments in the HiFi, gaming, TV, home cinema worlds? Does anyone have any reference that will help me be a good salesman?

And if anyone has any general tips for working in this field I would be grateful.

Thanks!

posted by dance to Technology (6 answers total)

Anybody looking at buying a Blu-Ray player might also be talked into upgrading their surround receiver, since Blu-Ray has some new high-resolution surround formats that older receivers won't support.

Cheap HDTVs might look ok when displaying HD content, but typically have crappy scaling circuitry that makes standard definition content look hideous.

HDMI is the current gold standard for audio and video signal transmission, and is the only way to view 1080p content.

In general, don't be afraid to say "I don't know" if someone has a technical question you can't answer. Things move fast, and you will encounter enthusiasts who know more about the stuff you're selling than you do. Don't let that phase you. Let them educate you, they'll love it (though of course don't pass along information they give you without confirming it first.)

avsforum.com is the place to go for home theater information.
posted by contraption at 10:35 AM on August 21, 2009

Adding to what contraption said, I would also be reading tech related websites. They can provided you with information to provide your customers with knowledgeable service.

I read the following on a regular basis:
Gizmodo
PC World
Mac World
CNet
There are countless other sources of tech news/info, but these should be good places to start to find information that might be beneficial for you. Good Luck!
posted by animerion at 11:39 AM on August 21, 2009

I've worked selling electronics before and I can tell you that people usually know exactly what they want or they are completely clueless. Learn your screen resolutions 480, 720, 1080, I and P. Most people are going to be happier with an up-converting DVD player than a Blu-Ray since there are so few titles on Blu-Ray and they are still pretty expensive.

Non-english speakers and old folks tend to have the most difficulty setting up mobile phones, be patient with them.

Mac computer hardware is basically just more expensive versions of PC components with a pricey label on it, so you probably already know a fair amount there. Take some time to learn about the various video cards your store sells, more video memory does not necessarily mean it's a faster/more powerful card.

Of the current generation of video game systems the Wii is by far the most popular followed by the xbox360 and then in a distant 3rd is the Sony PS3 (which I believe is still losing money for them). The 360 and the PS3 come in different packages which do not all come with a HDMI cord or other accessories.

People will ask all the time how many songs will fit on a particular MP3 player, instead of trying to explain compression bit rates you're best off just giving a generic answer (150-200 per Gb). Try to warn people that Sony, Apple, and Microsoft MP3 players all have propitiatory software that you must use with them and they are basically crippled by DRM (there's a reason Zunes are getting so cheap).
posted by Locobot at 12:06 PM on August 21, 2009

Consumer Reports along with Amazon reviews of the products you are selling will help develop your narrative for each product. 2nd'ing Gizmodo, Engadget, CNet, also, Arstechnica.

Try to warn people that Sony, Apple, and Microsoft MP3 players all have propitiatory software that you must use with them and they are basically crippled by DRM (there's a reason Zunes are getting so cheap).

We're selling electronics, not evangelizing open source/intellectual property rights issues.

Mac computer hardware is basically just more expensive versions of PC components with a pricey label on it

Yep, that's all it is. :rolls eyes:
posted by limited slip at 12:19 PM on August 21, 2009

We're selling electronics, not evangelizing open source/intellectual property rights issues.

People are looking for players that will work with the music files they have. They tend to get pretty pissed off when they've paid for music and a player that are not compatible. If someone has a hard drive full of songs saved as .wma files they're not going to be too thrilled with a new ipod.
posted by Locobot at 5:32 PM on August 21, 2009

I use Ars Technica's System Guides to get caught up on the state of the art in the PC world. Awesome.

Seconding avsforum, but you're kind of drinking from a firehose, and half the guys there are idiots who know only the tiniest amount more than you do.
posted by intermod at 7:40 PM on August 21, 2009