Dive

C-Store Center
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Dive

This is a podcast covering training topics and experiences related to new convenience store sales associates that others in your store don't have time to cover. So, dive right in and learn about your job and how things work in the industry.

  1. 5D AGO

    Mastering Fresh Food & Bakery - Your Guide to Product Excellence

    Dive - Episode 58 Guide Mastering Fresh Food & Bakery: Your Guide to Product Excellence Host: Mike Hernandez Series: Dive from C-Store Center Duration: 23 minutes Episode Description Transform your convenience store career by mastering today's hottest category - fresh food and bakery! In this game-changing episode of Dive, host Mike Hernandez reveals how sales associates can leverage product knowledge to boost sales, create loyal customers, and stand out in their roles. Discover why fresh food buyers spend an average of $4.50 more per visit and are 60% more likely to become regulars. With fresh food sales jumping 35% industry-wide and stores seeing up to 45% growth through active promotion, this episode equips you with the expertise to tap into this profitable trend. Whether you're new to the register or a seasoned associate, these techniques will help you turn your store from a quick stop into a food destination. What You'll Learn Complete product knowledge of sandwiches, hot food items, salads, and bakery offeringsKey selling points that highlight premium ingredients and freshness guaranteesFood safety essentials that protect customers and build trustStrategic suggestive selling techniques tailored to different times of dayHow to create profitable bundles that increase basket sizeReal success stories from associates who've mastered fresh food salesKey Segments Fresh Food Category Deep Dive (7 min) Sandwich and wrap lineup: ingredients, prep methods, and storage requirementsHot food rotation schedule and temperature managementSalad and produce freshness indicators and nutritional highlightsSeasonal offerings and dietary options (vegan, gluten-free)Bakery Excellence (7 min) Morning bakery items and delivery schedulesStrategic coffee pairings that boost profitsAll-day bakery bestsellers and peak selling timesSpecialty and seasonal items, including pre-order optionsLocal partnerships that create exclusive selling pointsProduct Knowledge in Action (8 min) Premium supplier partnerships and freshness guaranteesHandling common customer questions about allergens and ingredientsPreparation methods and reheating instructionsFood safety fundamentals: temperature zones, handling proceduresCross-contamination prevention and quality check protocolsSuggestive Selling Techniques (8 min) Time-based suggestions for breakfast, lunch, afternoon, and eveningComplementary product pairings that increase basket sizeCustomer-specific approaches for singles, families, and office ordersBundle opportunities that drive higher transaction valuesProblem-solving selling that anticipates customer needsSuccess Stories Maria at Store 142 sold out of local sourdough rolls three days in a row by highlighting the local bakery partnershipSarah from Store 185 turned a $24 sale into a $75 order with the "Morning Meeting Bundle" suggestionTom at Store 247 increased hot food sales by 30% in one week with the "Hot & Fresh Guarantee"James sold fifteen Chipotle chicken wraps in one day after experiencing the product firsthandKey Statistics Fresh food sales in convenience stores have jumped 35% in the past yearCustomers who buy fresh food spend an average of $4.50 more per visitFresh food buyers are 60% more likely to become regular customersThe "Coffee Break Bundle" has increased afternoon sales by 45%7 out of 10 customers don't realize convenience stores offer quality fresh foodDaily Product Knowledge Checklist Check today's fresh food delivery scheduleReview current promotions and bundle dealsNote seasonal items or limited-time offeringsVerify temperature logs are up to dateLearn one new product detail each shiftConnect With Us Visit cstorethrive.com for additional training resources and to share your fresh food selling success stories! Dive from C-Store Center is a Sink or Swim Production dedicated to helping convenience store professionals enhance their skills and advance their careers. *Tags: #ConvenienceStore #FreshFood #Bakery #SalesTechniques #CustomerService #FoodSafety #ProductKnowledge #SuggestiveSelling

    23 min

  2. MAR 2

    Mastering the Close - Sales Techniques for Convenience Store Success

    Dive - Episode 57 Guide Mastering the Close: Sales Techniques for Convenience Store Success Host: Mike Hernandez Series: Dive from C-Store Center Duration: 21 minutes Episode Description Transform your register interactions into sales opportunities! In this high-impact episode of Dive, host Mike Hernandez reveals how mastering the art of closing can dramatically increase your add-on sales and boost your store's bottom line. Discover why stores implementing these techniques see an average 23% increase in add-on sales, and how one simple approach helped increase average transaction values from $7.50 to $11.25. Whether you're a seasoned associate or just starting your convenience store career, these practical techniques will help you enhance customer experiences while driving sales success. What You'll Learn How to recognize buying signals and perfectly time your sales approachThree powerful closing techniques specifically designed for convenience store environmentsStrategies for overcoming common customer objections without being pushyMethods for creating genuine urgency that helps customers make decisionsPractical scripts and real-world examples you can use in your very next shiftKey Segments Understanding the Psychology of Closing (7 min) Reading body language and verbal cues that signal buying interestIdentifying the "golden moments" for making suggestionsWhy timing is crucial in the convenience store environmentHow to think like a "convenience store concierge" instead of a salespersonEssential Closing Techniques: The Triple Threat (8 min) The Suggestion Close: Creating value through natural product pairingsThe Assumption Close: Moving sales forward confidentlyThe Choice Close: Giving options instead of yes/no questionsReal examples that turned $2.50 sales into $6.75 transactionsOvercoming Customer Hesitation (7 min) The three most common objections you'll hear every dayThe AVO Method: Acknowledge, Value, OfferTurning "I'm in a hurry" into a selling opportunityScripts for handling price concerns, product doubts, and time pressureCreating Urgency Without Pressure (5 min) The Helpful Heads-Up: Framing promotions as valuable informationThe Stock Alert: Ethically using limited availabilityBundle Value: Combining urgency with genuine savingsProfessional phrases that help without pushingAction Plan for Success (3 min) Three immediate techniques to implement in your next shiftBuilding your personal script bank for common situationsThe Do's and Don'ts of convenience store salesSetting achievable goals for increasing transaction valuesPerfect For Front-line convenience store associates looking to improve sales skillsShift leaders coaching team members on sales techniquesNew employees wanting to quickly master customer interactionsExperienced associates seeking to refresh their approach and boost resultsSuccess Metrics Increase average transaction value by introducing complementary productsBoost sales of promotional and high-margin items through strategic suggestionsImprove customer satisfaction by providing helpful, relevant recommendationsEnhance your value to the store by driving measurable sales growthQuick Scripts to Try For Coffee Buyers: "Would you like to try one of our fresh breakfast sandwiches with your coffee? I can heat it up while you finish getting your drink ready."For Energy Drink Purchases: "These protein bars pair perfectly with that energy drink for sustained energy—they're actually on special today when purchased together."For Chip Purchases: "Did you see we have those new dips that everyone's been loving with these chips? They're right over here if you'd like to try one."Connect With Us Visit cstorethrive.com for additional training resources, including downloadable cheat sheets for mastering sales techniques. Dive from C-Store Center is a Sink or Swim Production designed to help convenience store professionals enhance their skills and advance their careers. *Tags: #ConvenienceStore #SalesTechniques #CustomerService #RetailSkills #UpsellStrategies #ClosingTechniques #RetailTraining

    21 min

  3. FEB 24

    Sales Techniques – Building Rapport and Trust

    Dive - Episode 56 Guide Building Customer Relationships: The Art of Convenience Store Service Host: Mike Hernandez Series: Dive from C-Store Center Duration: 20 minutes Episode Description Transform everyday transactions into lasting customer relationships! In this episode of Dive, host Mike Hernandez breaks down the essential techniques for building genuine connections with convenience store customers. Whether you're a new hire or a seasoned professional, discover how small changes in your approach can create big impacts on customer loyalty and store success. What You'll Learn Proven techniques for establishing instant rapport with customersThe power of active listening in understanding and meeting customer needsStrategies for creating a welcoming store environment that keeps customers coming backReal-world examples and role-playing scenarios you can use todayTips for turning challenging situations into opportunities for building trustKey Segments Building Rapport and Trust (15 min) First impressions that make customers feel valuedUsing names and finding common groundThe importance of honest recommendationsBody language techniques that build connectionActive Listening and Empathy (15 min) Reading customer cues and responding appropriatelyTechniques for showing customers they're heardHandling customer concerns with understandingConverting frustrated customers into loyal patronsCreating the Perfect Shopping Experience (15 min) Maintaining an inviting store environmentProactive customer service approachesGoing the extra mile without being pushySmall gestures that make big differencesPerfect For New convenience store associates looking to build their customer service skillsExperienced staff seeking to enhance their customer relationshipsStore managers wanting to improve team performance and customer satisfactionAnyone interested in developing their professional communication abilitiesAdditional Resources Visit c-storethrive.com for more employee development contentJoin our community to share experiences and best practicesDownload our companion guide for quick reference during your shiftConnect With Us Have questions or topic suggestions? We'd love to hear from you! Share your feedback and success stories from implementing these techniques. Dive from C-Store Center is a Sink or Swim Production. *Tags: #RetailTraining #CustomerService #ConvenienceStore #ProfessionalDevelopment #SalesSkills #CustomerExperience

    20 min

  4. FEB 17

    Retail Technology – Loyalty Programs and Customer Data Management for Convenience Store Sales Associates

    In this episode of "Dive," host Mike Hernandez dives into the world of loyalty programs and customer data management in convenience stores. Learn how these systems can enhance customer experience and boost sales through personalized recommendations and targeted offers. Show Notes: Segment 1: Introduction to Loyalty Programs Fundamentals of loyalty programsImportance of customer dataTypes of reward programsBenefits for sales associatesSegment 2: Using Data for Personalization Personalization strategiesEffective recommendationsCustomer segmentationEthical considerationsSegment 3: Managing Memberships Customer enrollmentExplaining benefitsTracking rewardsProblem resolutionSpecial recognitionKey Discussion Points: Using purchase historiesCommunicating benefitsProactive remindersHandling issuesSegmentation strategiesSupplemental Questions: Understanding customer data impactAddressing program hesitationImportance of proactive engagementProblem resolution techniquesEffective segmentation practicesDuration: Full Episode Tags: #LoyaltyPrograms #CustomerService #CustomerData #RetailSales #ProfessionalDevelopment

    17 min

  5. 12/23/2024

    Sales Techniques – Handling Objections and Customer Negotiations for Convenience Store Sales Associates

    The way you handle objections can turn a skeptical customer into one who leaves satisfied and returns again. Skillful handling of concerns doesn't just resolve the moment—it builds trust and loyalty. In today's episode, we'll explore how to navigate these conversations confidently and effectively. Whether it's a price objection, concern about quality, or a unique customer request, the strategies we'll discuss will help you address concerns, find solutions that work for everyone, and retain customer loyalty. The goal is to ensure that even the most challenging interactions end on a positive note.

    16 min

  6. 12/08/2024

    Store Operations – Crisis Management and Emergency Preparedness for Convenience Store Sales Associates

    In today's episode, we're exploring the critical topics of crisis management and emergency preparedness. Whether it's a natural disaster, a medical emergency, or a security threat, being prepared is the key to handling these situations effectively. This episode will give you the tools and confidence you need to manage crises, respond to emergencies, and prioritize the safety of everyone in the store.

    15 min

  7. 10/13/2024

    Customer Service Skills – Emotional Intelligence and Empathy for Convenience Store Sales Associates

    In today's episode, we'll dive deep into how emotional intelligence and empathy play crucial roles in providing top-notch customer service, especially in those challenging moments when frustrations run high. These skills aren't just about making customers happy at the moment; they're about building long-term trust and loyalty, even when things go wrong.

    15 min

  8. 10/06/2024

    Store Operations – Teamwork and Collaboration for Convenience Store Sales Associates

    In today's episode, we'll explore how effective teamwork can transform the way your store operates. We'll cover how clear communication, resolving conflicts early, and supporting each other can create a more positive and efficient workplace. When everyone is on the same page, tasks get done faster, and the work environment becomes much more enjoyable for everyone involved.

    14 min
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    About

    This is a podcast covering training topics and experiences related to new convenience store sales associates that others in your store don't have time to cover. So, dive right in and learn about your job and how things work in the industry.

    Information

    • Creator
      C-Store Center
    • Years Active
      2023 - 2025
    • Episodes
      58
    • Rating
      Clean
    • Copyright
      © 2025 C-Store Center

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