I was wondering if any one could offer some advice.

I have a soon to be 18 year old nephew that is soon to start his job at the local golf galaxy that is opening close to where he goes to school. He is on work study and it is his first "real" job. He does not LOVE the game of golf at this time, hopefully that will come in time. He is being hired to stock shelves and cashier. I would like to know what can I teach him about the golf industry that can help him succeed. Any information would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

Eric

Does he play (avidly)?

Shoot, make him start posting here...

Sooner or later he'll starting ho-ing equipment and by then, you've done your job.

If he is stocking shelves and cashiering he doesn't need to know much about golf to be successful. If he is going to try and move to selling clubs he needs to learn at least what different types of clubs provide and what different levels of golfer need as far as clubs are concerned.

I hope he likes golf and knows a great deal about the different equipment out threre and at least a basic knowledge about what makes what work, etc. Otherwise, he's TOAST!!! He'll be stocking shelves.

Also, if he does know a bunch about equipment, I hope that he has enough sense to keep his own biases out of the equation when trying to make a sale! If not, he will turn away more sales than make! The sale is all about fitting the needs of the customer to the right stuff. If the customer realizes that he's being B.S.'ed, then the game is over!!!

Basically, the PGA teaches GEODE model for customer relations....

Greet.... (Greet the customer.)
Enquire.... (Find out information as to what they are looking for, need, or what you can do for them)
Offer..... (Offer product, suggestions, services, etc.)
Deliver..... (Deliver on your "offer".)
Evaluate..... (Follow up with the customer!)

Should be self explanitory, really!!

You can only expose him to the game...Either he will develop a liking or not...Don't push it on him...

I'm a PGA golf professional, and as much as I would love my son (14) to develop the same passion for the game as I have, I have to let him enjoy the things he wants to do...

He is a huge soccer player and that is what he is passionate about! For that I'm grateful!

When I was a teenager I thought golf was for the people that couldn't play, baseball, football or lacrosse and I blew off every oppurtunity to learn this great game. I didn't take a liking to it until a later age after I already had engrained crappy habits. I am now finally getting a "good" golf swing. I would just like him to pick up on it sooner so that he does not share my frustrations.

Eric

THERES REALLY NO TRAINING ON HOW TO BE A GOOD SALES PERSON. WATCH OTHER GUYS AND LEARN THAT WAY. HE'LL HEAR OTHER GUYS SELLING WHILE HE IS ON THE FLOOR RINGING PEOPLE UP AND BRINGING STOCK OUT. JUST TELLEM TO LISTEN TO OTHER PEOPLE AND WATCH THEM DO THEIR THING. GET HIM A SUBSCRIPTION TO GOLD MAGAZINE OR GOLF DIGEST. HE CAN LEARN A LOT THROUGH THAT ESPECIALLY WHEN THE HOT LISTS ARE OUT. THEN WHEN HE SEE'S THE KIND OF MONEY HE CAN POSSIBLY MAKE..HE MAY LEARN QUICK!

GOOD LUCK TO THE BOY!

Have him read the equipment issue of Golf Digest, Golf Magazine, or Gof Tips. This should give him a general foundation for product knowledge. The rest he'll pick up by experience. Other than that he just needs to be polite, helpful, and NOT pushy.