Clothing retail jobs - YouLookFab Forum

Hey guys!

So I decided to get a retail job to help pay for my upcoming trip and for my shopping addiction. I've been offered 2 jobs, and although I'm pretty sure I've made a decision, I just wanted some feedback on working on commission VS flat rate, seeing as how I haven't really had a traditional job before.

So one store offered me $11.50, and the other offered a base rate of $9.00 or commission, which varies from 5%-10%, depending on how much the transaction is. From the impression I got, I'd say the average commission is about 7-8%, and the price point of most items in the store is probably from $100-$200.

I don't have the time to work many shifts, so it'll be maybe 1-2 a week.

Does anybody have any experience with this sort of thing? (Also I'm not sure if this is OT or not, but it does have to do with fashion!)

And if anyone remembers my eBay H&M maxi dilemma, I found it for $30 and bought it! I will do a WIW as soon as I go down to the States and retrieve it. xD

14 years ago

Angie

(website)

Fashion Stylist

I hope that Marianna and Taylor chime in. They work in fashion retail and will have great insight.

elpgal

Veteran

I don't have any advice but you mentioned you can work only a few shifts. Will you have the option of working shifts with higher revenues (evenings/weekends, I am assuming)? That might be something to keep in mind.

taylor

Due to the fact that you will be working so little I would take the 11:50 an hr, job. It would be hard to make a commission working 1 to 2 days...also that may take the fun out...trying to make that sale!

I quite my retail job a bit ago after 5 yrs. I also worked very little because I am a hair stylist...but it was at my favorite Ann Taylor store and it totally fed my shopping addiction and I loved it! Keep it fun/light and don't take anything to serious!
good luck!

lyn*

I've never worked in a clothing store, but it would also depend on the kind of person you are... I was at a very small store that was on commission and there was a big sale so I made a big purchase. I just said this one girl helped me because I've seen her there a lot before and she's very shy. I felt kinda bad for her I don't think commission sales would be a good idea for someone who is quiet.

marianna

I agree with Taylor -- because you will be working so few hours, the $11.50 an hour job is a better bet. There is no guarantee in a commission environment and it is more stressful and cut-throat. If this job is just for extra cash and fun, and you don't want the stress of competing for a sale, definitely go for the hourly pay job. I work in a commission environment but I work 40 hours/week so it makes sense for me financially... but it is not a walk in the park. Co-workers become evil enemies when it comes to making money! Sad but true.

Jyoti

Thank you everyone! Some really great information!

I will be working weekends at a sort of "destination" mall, and from my personal experience, its really, really busy on weekends-- no parking and precious little room to move in some stores.

What makes it difficult is I like the commission-based store better, but I definitely don't want to work in an environment where all the co-workers don't like each other!

Thanks guys! <3

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