17 Shoe Salesman Interview Questions and Answers

When you go into a shoe store, the person who helps you find the perfect pair of shoes is likely a shoe salesman. This position is responsible for helping customers find the right shoes for their needs and budget, and for providing customer service.

If you’re interested in becoming a shoe salesman, you’ll likely need to go through a job interview. To help you prepare, we’ve gathered some of the most common questions and answers that you may be asked in a shoe salesman interview.

Are you comfortable working on commission?

Employers ask this question to make sure you’re comfortable with the commission structure of their company. They want to know that you understand how much money you’ll be making and when you can expect your paycheck. In your answer, explain what kind of commission plan they have and if it’s something you’re excited about. If you aren’t familiar with the commission structure, tell them you’d like to learn more about it before accepting the job.

Example: “I’m very excited to work on commission because I know exactly how much money I’ll be making each week. I’ve worked in sales for a few years now, so I feel confident in my ability to sell shoes. I also think I would do well working at this store because I love the brand and the products.”

What are some of the most important qualities for a shoe salesman?

Employers ask this question to make sure you have the skills and abilities necessary for the job. They want someone who is friendly, outgoing, confident and knowledgeable about shoes. When answering this question, think of a few qualities that are important in a shoe salesman. Explain why these qualities are important and give an example of how you possess them.

Example: “The most important quality for a shoe salesman is confidence. You need to be able to confidently try on shoes with customers and sell them on your product. I am very confident when talking to people because I enjoy making others feel comfortable. I also believe it’s important to be honest and trustworthy. I would never sell someone something they don’t need or can’t use. Instead, I always recommend products based on their needs.”

How would you sell a pair of shoes that is outside of a customer’s normal style?

This question is a great way to test your ability to sell shoes that are outside of the customer’s normal style. This can be an important skill for salespeople because they may need to convince customers to try something new and different from what they usually buy. Your answer should show that you have experience selling products that aren’t necessarily in line with a customer’s usual preferences.

Example: “I would first ask them why they don’t normally wear this type of shoe. I find that most people who don’t like certain styles just haven’t found the right pair yet. So, I would tell them about all the benefits of this particular shoe and how it could change their life if they gave it a chance. Then, I would let them know that we offer free returns on any pairs they purchase so there is no risk involved.”

What is your process for learning about new shoe releases and trends?

Employers ask this question to see how you stay up-to-date on the latest trends in the shoe industry. They want to know that you are passionate about your work and eager to learn more about what’s new in the industry. In your answer, explain how you keep yourself informed of upcoming releases and fashion trends. Share a few ways you’ve done so in the past.

Example: “I am always looking for new brands and styles of shoes. I subscribe to several shoe blogs and newsletters that send me updates when they hear about new releases or sales. I also follow many shoe designers on social media because they often post sneak peeks at their newest designs. I find these methods helpful for learning about new trends before they’re released.”

Provide an example of a time when you successfully persuaded a customer to purchase a more expensive pair of shoes.

Employers ask this question to learn more about your sales skills and how you can help them make more money. They want to know that you are capable of selling high-end products, so they may be looking for an example from your previous job or a time when you convinced someone to buy something expensive.

Example: “At my last job, I had a customer who was interested in buying a pair of $100 shoes. However, he told me that he would only spend up to $50 on the shoes because that’s all he could afford. I asked him if he liked the style of our most expensive shoe, and he said yes. So, I offered to sell him the shoes at 50% off the retail price. He agreed, and I made a sale.”

If a customer is unsure about whether or not a pair of shoes would fit, how would you help them determine this?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you would interact with customers who are unsure about a purchase. Showcase your interpersonal skills and ability to listen by asking questions that allow the customer to describe their needs and concerns.

Example: “If a customer is unsure whether or not a pair of shoes will fit, I would first ask them what they’re looking for in a shoe. For example, if they want something comfortable but stylish, I might suggest a few pairs based on my knowledge of our inventory. If they still aren’t sure, I would offer to try on the shoes myself so they could see how they look and feel.”

What would you do if you were in the middle of a sale and a customer asked you about a pair of shoes that you didn’t currently have in stock?

This question can give the interviewer insight into how you handle unexpected situations and adapt to them. Your answer should show that you are willing to do whatever it takes to make a sale, even if you have to find shoes for customers at another store or online.

Example: “If I was in the middle of a sale and a customer asked me about a pair of shoes that we didn’t have in stock, I would first apologize and then offer to order the shoes from our supplier. If they were interested in purchasing the shoes, I would take their contact information so I could call them when the shoes arrived. If they weren’t interested in buying the shoes, I would ask if there was anything else I could help them with.”

How well do you know the brands that we carry in our shoe department?

The interviewer may ask you a question like this to see how much research you’ve done on the company and its products. Show that you’re familiar with the brands they carry by naming them and describing what types of shoes they sell.

Example: “I’m very familiar with all of the brands your store carries, including Nike, Adidas, Skechers and New Balance. I know that these brands are popular among athletes, casual wearers and people who need comfortable footwear for work or play. I also understand that each brand has different styles and price points, which is why I make sure to learn about my customers’ needs so I can recommend the right shoe for their lifestyle.”

Do you have any experience working with inventory management software?

Employers may ask this question to see if you have experience using any software that helps with inventory management. They want to make sure you can use the company’s software, which is likely a program they already use in their business. If you don’t have experience working with inventory management software, consider asking your potential employer what kind of software they use and how it works before your interview so you’re prepared to answer this question.

Example: “I’ve never worked with inventory management software before, but I am familiar with Excel spreadsheets. I find them very helpful for organizing data and keeping track of sales. I think I could learn to use inventory management software fairly quickly.”

When selling a pair of shoes, what are the key features that you point out to customers?

The interviewer may ask you this question to see if you know the features of a shoe and how they can benefit customers. Use your answer to highlight your knowledge of shoes, including their construction and materials.

Example: “When selling a pair of shoes, I first point out the style of the shoe and what it’s best for. For example, some styles are better for casual wear while others are more appropriate for business attire. Next, I talk about the material that the shoe is made from. Some materials are more comfortable than others, so I let my customer know which ones are most suitable for their needs. Finally, I explain any additional features that the shoe has, such as arch support or waterproofing.”

We want our shoe salesmen to be able to quickly and accurately process sales. What is your process for doing this?

This question is an opportunity to show your interviewer that you have the skills and experience necessary to succeed in this role. You can answer by describing a specific process you use for processing sales, or you can describe how you would develop a new process if needed.

Example: “I find it helpful to start with customer service before moving on to product knowledge. I always make sure to greet customers as they enter the store and ask them what brought them in today. From there, I listen carefully to their needs and try to understand exactly what they’re looking for. Once I’ve gathered all of this information, I move on to discussing the products we offer. I like to give my customers plenty of time to look at our inventory so they can make informed decisions.”

Describe your experience working with customers who speak different languages than you do.

Employers may ask this question to see how you adapt to working with customers who speak a different language than you. They want to know that you can still provide excellent customer service and communicate effectively with your clients, even if they don’t speak the same language as you. In your answer, explain how you use online translation tools or other resources to help you communicate with these customers.

Example: “I have worked with many international customers in my previous role as a shoe salesman. I always made sure to greet them in their native language and used Google Translate to help me communicate with them. If there was something I couldn’t translate, I would find someone else in the store who could help me.”

What makes you an ideal candidate for a shoe salesman position?

Employers ask this question to learn more about your qualifications and how you feel about the position. Before your interview, make a list of reasons why you are qualified for the job. Consider including any previous experience selling shoes or customer service skills that can help you succeed in the role.

Example: “I am an ideal candidate because I have extensive knowledge of shoe brands and styles. In my last sales position, I helped customers find the right pair of shoes for their needs. I also understand what it takes to sell products to different types of people. For example, I know how to talk to older customers who may be looking for comfort over style. I also know how to speak with younger customers who want to try new trends.”

Which shoe brands do you have the most experience selling?

Employers ask this question to see if you have experience selling their brand. If they’re hiring for a specific shoe store, they want to know that you’ve sold shoes from that company before. They also want to make sure you can sell the brands they carry in their store. When answering this question, list the brands you have experience selling and explain why you chose them.

Example: “I have the most experience selling Nike shoes. I started working at my last job as a sales associate when I was 19 years old. At the time, our store carried mostly Nike products. I learned how to sell all of their different types of shoes and apparel. I still love selling Nike products today because I feel like I’m an expert on the brand.”

What do you think is the most important aspect of customer service?

This question is an opportunity to show the interviewer that you value customer service and understand what makes a good shopper experience. When answering, consider highlighting your interpersonal skills and how they help you connect with customers.

Example: “I think the most important aspect of customer service is listening to the customer’s needs and finding solutions for them. I enjoy asking questions to learn more about my customers’ preferences so I can find shoes that fit their style and budget. In my last role, I helped a customer who was looking for dress shoes for his wedding. He told me he wanted something stylish but comfortable enough to wear all day. After talking through his preferences, we found a pair of black oxfords that were both elegant and affordable.”

How often do you think a shoe salesman should update their knowledge about shoes and fashion trends?

This question can help interviewers understand how much you value your own education and the importance of staying up-to-date with current trends. Your answer should show that you are willing to learn new things about shoes, fashion and customer preferences.

Example: “I think it’s important for a shoe salesman to stay educated on the latest styles and trends in order to provide customers with the best possible service. I try to read at least one article or blog post per week about the latest footwear trends. I also subscribe to several shoe-related newsletters so I can get updates from my favorite brands.”

There is a customer who is clearly not happy with their purchase. How do you handle this situation?

This question can help the interviewer determine how you handle customer complaints and whether or not you have strategies for diffusing difficult situations. In your answer, try to highlight your conflict resolution skills and ability to diffuse tense situations with customers.

Example: “If a customer is unhappy with their purchase, I first ask them what they don’t like about it. Then, I offer to exchange the shoes if they are in good condition. If they want to keep the shoes, I offer them a discount on another pair of shoes. This way, I am resolving the issue while also ensuring that the customer has a positive experience.”