They're not going to hire very knowledgable employees because it will lose them business.
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Again, an overly broad statement. They hired me at a higher wage because I had extensive knowledge.
I've managed 3 diff pet stores over the years. They didn't have an opening for a manager, but they did hire me. I was desperate for a job at the time.
Most of us in the pet dept at my Petsmart had tanks or birds or some pets at home.
Knowledge varied, but I would put fish magazines in our break room to help people learn more. I encouraged the other employees to ask me questions and read on their own.
I have always been considered an ethical sales person. Sales are important, but when selling live creatures, their lives are the most important.
When I worked with reptiles, we often refused sales if the person did not have a proper set up.
I would not sell a parrot to someone trying to skimp on cage size. I always recommended larger cages for Canary's than were normally sold.
I would sell people with guinea pigs our starter kit but I would also give them website addresses so that they could DIY larger enclosures.
A good customer can tell when the employee cares about what they're doing. And they will return if they trust your knowledge and advice.
Our LFSs are not always the best. One was a hole. Dirty, poorly lit tanks.
Expensive equipment.
I do send other stores business. When people want a type of bird we did not carry, I sent them to a local bird store that also did adoptions.
Anyway. Bashing all chain store or LFS employees is NOT justified.
Many are inept or ignorant or jaded. Not all.
Tina
Coursair Whippets
Northern CA Whippet Fanciers Assoc
San Francisco Bay Area Aquatic Plant Society
Past member of the Northern CA Herpetological Society
Falconer for 10yrs
Sighthound Rescue for 10yrs
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