That's exciting - congratulations!
Here are a couple of things I do in my boutique, and also that I often feel disappointed in when I go to cosmetics counters myself:
1. Education. Seriously know your products inside and out, read ingredient labels, pore over the product info that Origins gives to you, look up ingredients in online databases, read consumer reviews, etc. If you find anything that doesn't jibe with what Origins teaches you, then go back ot the counter manager or regional and ask for clarification.
2. Know what's coming out and when - often I hear on this board and others that the consumer knew more about a product or release date or whatever than the Associate did. This is super frustrating to a potential buyer.
3. Read every beauty book and magazine you can get your hands on. If you are a white girl, really pay attention to what's recommended for women of color in all ethicities, and vice versa. Growing a versatility to look at some super pale girl and know what will work on her skintone, even if you are a DDD yourself. becomes so important. Also familiarize yourself with different makeup styles, even though Origins seems to be all about a very pretty polished natural look. You should still be able to pair colors and do dramatic applications inspired by what's on trend. Sometimes youll have a long time Origins customer who loves the line, doesn't want to go anywhere else, but is craving a very trendy, dramatic, graphic look - be willing and able to take them there, using your own line.
4. Be willing to call in other assistance if you are struggling with finding a perfect match for someone. That's not a sign of weakness or ignorance, it's a sign of wanting to do the best job you can for your customer!
5. Don't judge potential buying power by how your client looks. My experience is that when I go shopping I'm dressed to major errands. Casual attire, practical footwear, etc. I do ALL my errands and shopping in a single trip, so by the time I'm at the end of my whirlwind day, I look like poop - very casual poop. But I am ready to buy, I've looked at things in magazines, and I want some attention, darn it! So trust the customer - if she says she wants a serious pink lipstick, help her to find one, even if she's dressed in an orange polar fleece shirt! I get ignored all the time at the differnt counters around here, because I don't "look" like a good buyer. But I AM a great buyer, and want to be treated as such. I don't want butt kissin', but I do want some help now and then.
Which leads to understanding that your customers can look all sorts of ways - young, older, male, female, trans, cross, trendy, classic, basic, exotic, whatever. Embrace the common joy of fine skincare and beautiful color, try to make a connection with each of the people you work with every day, and you won't have any competition at all at your counter. Your customers will just love you!
/emoticons/
