What You Need to Know Before Working in Sales in Japan

Many people from different countries and living in Japan now may be interested in sales jobs when they work in Japan.

In this article, we will introduce some important things that everyone should know before taking a sales job in Japan.

Read it carefully and be prepared to start work!

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About Sales Jobs in Japan

What kind of places can I work as a salesperson in Japan?

In Japan, there are various places where you can work as a salesperson.

For example,

• Department stores
• Specialty Shops
• Supermarkets
• Convenience stores
• Cell phone store
• Car dealers (stores that sell cars)
• Stores at the airport

and others.

Where can I work with my native language?

Even if your Japanese is not at the level of an interpreter, there are places where you can work while making use of your native language.

Examples include specialty and brand stores that sell goods and services to overseas tourist, and duty-free stores at airports.

There, we often serve foreign customers.

However, there may be cases where Japanese is necessary because some of your co-workers are Japanese or there may be Japanese customers.

Therefore, you need to continue to study Japanese!

The job is not only customer service

Sometimes a sales job involves more than just talking to customers and selling products; there are many other duties involved.

Examples include preparing merchandise for the sales floor, managing inventory and sales, and cleaning.

If you are interested, ask for more information about what kind of duties you will be responsible for during the interview.

What's important in a sales job

Know well about the products you are selling

Studying product knowledge well is very useful for sales work.

If you know the products and services well, you can make suggestions that match customer's wishes.

And you will also be able to respond calmly when questions from customers come up.

Some companies offer regular workshops and training on their products to hone their sales skills.

How do you deepen your knowledge of our products?

In addition to reading product instructions and manuals, there are other recommendations.
For example, if you are selling cosmetics, you can actually use the product yourself, compare it with other companies' products, etc.

Thus, it is important to consider whether and how to convey the quality of the product to the customer.

Learn about Japanese "Omotenashi"!

What is “おもてなし(Omotenashi)”?

In Japan, there is a word called "Omotenashi.
When working as a salesperson in Japan, it is important to know the real Japanese meaning of hospitality, or “Omotenashi”.

"Omotenashi" means providing heartwarming service to customers in order to make them feel comfortable.
It is a desire to please customers.

These words are derived from the Japanese culture of taking good care of the customers.

What does "Omotenashi" entail?

Here are some examples for your comprehension:

• Communicate carefully and clearly so that customers do not get confused.
• Keep the store clean so that customers can feel comfortable.
• Attention to detail in dress, speech, etc.

When working as a salesperson in Japan, it is a good idea to be aware of omotenashi (hospitality).

Conclusion

When working as a salesperson in Japan, it is good to know about the importance of deepening product knowledge and "Omotenashi"  to please customers.

By being aware of these things, you can confidently provide good service as a salesperson!
This will result in a positive evaluation of you in the workplace.

In addition, Japan has a unique workplace culture and customs.
(e.g., punctuality, respect for hierarchy, etc.)

Knowing about these cultures and customs will help you build good relationships with your colleagues and superiors.

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