I was paid $7.50/ hr plus commission as a stylist. During a good pay period, I would bring home between $200 and $300 for two weeks worth of work. The problem wasn't that I didn't work very many hours, but quite the opposite. For every hour you work, you should be selling $200 worth of merchandise to make 2% commission (approximately). The hour (sometimes more) that I would work after we closed counted towards my commission. Brides (and those hoping for an engagement, AKA won't be buying a dress for at least another 2 years or so) come in all the time and don't buy- no commission, wasted time. DB believes that a stylist can handle multiple customers at a time- this is true SOMETIMES. As a stylist, you may have two brides at a time; this works if one of the brides is very relaxed and carefree, but heaven forbid you get two very needy brides at the same time (which is usually what happens). Sometimes the CSR will assign you a bridal party of three or more alongside your prom girl who thinks she runs the show and wants you to grab her the next size up (which you should, it's your job). It's hard enough to deal with one customer, especially a bride, much less multiple parties at once... You (well I always) end up running around like a chicken with its head cut off.
As a CSR, you are expected to greet customers (get them to sign in by writing their name, phone number, email, and why they're at DB while trying to squeeze them in with a stylist OR check them in for their previously scheduled appointment), check out customers, call and confirm appointments, call and let people know their order is in, help prepare shipments (incoming and outgoing), assign stylists with parties, prepare "profiles" for customers with upcoming appointments, answer ALL incoming phone calls (and not leave them on hold more than a minute or two-- customers don't like being left on hold), and smile while trying not to lose your cool. If there are 2 CSRs on a slow day, the work load is tolerable.
As both a CSR and Stylist, you will be unappreciated by MOST customers, especially on busy days. At least 95% of complaints you receive will be because you were doing your job and following company policy. If you enjoy being under-appreciated (by those you serve) and under-payed for your extremely stressful work, DB is the place for you!
