Describe a situation where you had to handle a customer's request for a discontinued or hard-to-find item.
Retail Sales Associate Interview Questions
Sample answer to the question
Once, a customer came into the store looking for a specific brand of shoes that had been discontinued. I empathized with their frustration and assured them that I would do my best to find a solution. I immediately checked the inventory system and discovered that we did not have the shoes in stock. However, I remembered that a nearby store had recently received a shipment of similar shoes from the same brand. I called the store and confirmed that they had the shoes in the customer's size. I then offered to personally pick up the shoes for the customer and have them delivered to our store. The customer was thrilled with the offer and happily agreed. I drove to the other store, picked up the shoes, and delivered them to our store within a few hours. The customer was extremely grateful and impressed with the level of service provided.
A more solid answer
One time, a customer approached me in the store, looking for a pair of shoes that had been discontinued. Understanding their frustration, I empathized with them and assured them that I would find a solution. I quickly checked our inventory system and discovered that we didn't have the discontinued shoes. However, I remembered that a nearby store had recently received a similar shipment from the same brand. To provide the best service possible, I called that store and confirmed that they had the shoes in the customer's size. I then offered to personally pick up the shoes for the customer and have them delivered to our store. The customer was ecstatic and agreed to the solution. I wasted no time and immediately went to the other store, picked up the shoes, and brought them back to our store within a few hours. When the customer returned to pick up the shoes, they were overwhelmed with gratitude and could not believe the level of service we provided.
Why this is a more solid answer:
The solid answer provides more specific details and paints a clearer picture of the candidate's actions. It effectively demonstrates the candidate's customer service orientation, adaptability, and problem-solving skills. The answer is concise and well-structured. However, it could still benefit from further elaboration on how the candidate communicated with the customer during the process.
An exceptional answer
I had a memorable experience dealing with a customer who was looking for a particular brand of sunglasses that had been discontinued for several months. The customer was disappointed to learn that we did not have the sunglasses in our inventory. However, I didn't want to leave it at that. I took the initiative to research the brand's website and various online retailers to check if the sunglasses were available anywhere else. After some extensive searching, I found a small boutique that still had a few pairs left. I contacted the boutique and arranged for them to ship the sunglasses directly to the customer's address. I kept the customer updated throughout the process, reassuring them that I was doing everything possible to fulfill their request. When the sunglasses finally arrived, I personally called the customer to let them know the good news and arranged for them to pick up the sunglasses at their convenience. The customer was thrilled and praised my dedication to ensuring their satisfaction.
Why this is an exceptional answer:
The exceptional answer provides even more specific details and showcases the candidate's exceptional problem-solving skills and commitment to customer satisfaction. The candidate goes above and beyond by conducting extensive research to find the discontinued item. The answer also highlights the candidate's excellent communication skills by keeping the customer informed throughout the process. It shows their determination and dedication to providing exceptional service.
How to prepare for this question
- Familiarize yourself with the store's inventory system to quickly determine stock availability.
- Develop good research skills to find alternative sources for hard-to-find items.
- Practice empathizing with customers and providing reassurance in frustrating situations.
- Enhance your communication skills to provide regular updates to customers.
- Think creatively and always be willing to go the extra mile to satisfy customers.
What interviewers are evaluating
- Customer Service Orientation
- Adaptability and Flexibility
- Problem-solving Skills
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