Hmm... should I take this "fishy" job or not?

wartooth1

wartooth1

Member
Hey all,
I'm kind of at a crossroads... I was just hired to a new job in my field, but I was also offered a job today doing phone sales for the fish distributor featured on the show "Tanked!" I don't know if I should mention the place by name here, but when the guys on the show say they are going to Los Angeles to get some fish... well its that place.
The impression I got regarding the job is that its basically a sales position in their call center. Thankfully it doesn't seem like a high pressure sales job, they have a pretty nice hourly wage in addition to bonuses based on how many sales I make. I'm wondering if I should go for it?
On the downside, phone center sales is something I haven't done before and I'm worried I'll wind up hating it... but on the plus side, it will be a great oppertunity to learn a whole lot more about fish and reef keeping that I know now... plus I'll be surrounded by such beautiful fish and corals... and who knows... maybe as an employee I'll be able to get 1st dibbs on some really nice stuff.

Thankfully they didn't pressure me into making a decision, so I'm going to work at the new place I just got hired at and see how it works out... but I'd like to hear from anyone out there may have an opinion about call center work or what y'all might think about taking what is a great hobby to a professional level.
Thanks!
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
I used to sell wine over the phone. In niche jobs like that, sales are actually really easy, people call you, it's not your generic telemarketing to make a sale.
Would this be a complete career change for you? Is there an increase in salary?
 
meowzer

meowzer

Moderator
WOW....maybe you'll get on Tanked....LOL
I'd weight the benefits.....salary, insurance, bonuses etc and go with the best
 
wartooth1

wartooth1

Member
Quote:
Originally Posted by BTLDreef http:///t/388015/hmm-should-i-take-this-fishy-job-or-not#post_3418857
I used to sell wine over the phone. In niche jobs like that, sales are actually really easy, people call you, it's not your generic telemarketing to make a sale.
Would this be a complete career change for you? Is there an increase in salary?
It would be a career change. The hourly wage would be $1 less per hour than what I would be making at the job I'm starting out at but this place has a benefits package plus it seems like it could be more secure...
the video game industry is very seasonal, so there are usually aren't benefits like medical coverage and paid vacation days unless you manage to stick around for a few years... and even if I'm awesome at my job, when the games hit the stores there may not be any work for a while.
 
wartooth1

wartooth1

Member
Oh and BTDLreef, I'm not 100% sure how much people would be calling me wanting product... my "clients" will be LFSs that I'm pretty sure I would need to convince to order livestock from me... not sure how much different that would be compared your days in the wine business... well I suppose once I build a rapport with the clients then yeah, they will be calling me for more. Its just that initial "Hi I'm so and so from blankety blank... you should get your Yellow Tangs from us" sort of thing I'm a little nervous about lol!
 
1guydude

1guydude

Well-Known Member
no man...r u sure u just dont answer phones and and take orders?
Anywho...sales are easy as long as u know how to talk and people skills.
Just boast about the filtration and ur acclimation process...simple simple!
Mainly tell em where u get the fish and such too me thinks!
Sounds kinda boring to me....id rather sell cars or something! I used to sell chicken and such at KFC LOL!
Now ive got one of those better jobs !
 
deejeff442

deejeff442

Active Member
i sell for a living and it takes a bit of time to get your personality as a salesman.i am self employed for 22 years and one thing i know for sure it is alot easier to sell if they trust you.so my suggestion is to ask them about their store ,how many tanks ,filtration that kind of stuff.even if they are not too bright just say something like that sounds like a great store set up .after all of that let them know what you are selling.to just call and say i have 5 flame angels for $30 a piece you in? aint going to cut it.well thats my 2 cents anyway
good luck with the decision.oh yea what is $ per hour mean? lol .all my employees get a rate for a day or job.i have never liked the dollar per hour paying system.
 
btldreef

btldreef

Moderator
I'd say go for the career change, especially if it's going to offer more benefits and long term security. That will far out weigh the $1 an hour loss. It's one of the largest suppliers, they're not going anywhere, and in the fish business, they're well known and respected which is a bonus. At the end of the day, it's all about what's going to provide you happiness and stability. Besides, you could always do freelance programming on the side.
Whatever you decide, I wish you the best :)
 
travelerjp98

travelerjp98

Active Member
I agree.. I think you should do a career change. You'll get experience in a new field while selling things that you like. Plus, your generally knowledgeable about the subject so it's not like you would have no idea about anything that you are talking about and I think it's a big plus. You could always go back to your old job field if it doesn't work out for you. I wish you luck.
 
wartooth1

wartooth1

Member
Thanks for the input everybody!
I took the programming job for now since I was already hired on for it. It was a friend who hooked me up with the job and I don't want to make him look bad in front of his bosses by quitting so soon, but I'm still in touch with they guys from the fish call center and they are cool with me coming on board with them in a few weeks.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Top