Dive

By: C-Store Center
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  • Summary

  • 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.
    © 2025 C-Store Center
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Career Success Economics Personal Development Personal Success
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Episodes
  • Mastering Fresh Food & Bakery - Your Guide to Product Excellence

    Mastering Fresh Food & Bakery - Your Guide to Product Excellence
    Mar 8 2025
    Dive - Episode 58 GuideMastering Fresh Food & Bakery: Your Guide to Product ExcellenceHost: Mike Hernandez Series: Dive from C-Store Center Duration: 23 minutesEpisode DescriptionTransform 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 LearnComplete 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 SegmentsFresh 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 StoriesMaria 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 StatisticsFresh 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 ChecklistCheck 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 UsVisit 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
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    23 mins
  • Mastering the Close - Sales Techniques for Convenience Store Success

    Mastering the Close - Sales Techniques for Convenience Store Success
    Mar 2 2025
    Dive - Episode 57 GuideMastering the Close: Sales Techniques for Convenience Store SuccessHost: Mike Hernandez Series: Dive from C-Store Center Duration: 21 minutesEpisode DescriptionTransform 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 LearnHow 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 SegmentsUnderstanding 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 ForFront-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 MetricsIncrease 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 TryFor 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 UsVisit 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
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    21 mins
  • Sales Techniques – Building Rapport and Trust

    Sales Techniques – Building Rapport and Trust
    Feb 24 2025

    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 customers
    • The power of active listening in understanding and meeting customer needs
    • Strategies for creating a welcoming store environment that keeps customers coming back
    • Real-world examples and role-playing scenarios you can use today
    • Tips for turning challenging situations into opportunities for building trust

    Key Segments

    1. Building Rapport and Trust (15 min)
      • First impressions that make customers feel valued
      • Using names and finding common ground
      • The importance of honest recommendations
      • Body language techniques that build connection
    2. Active Listening and Empathy (15 min)
      • Reading customer cues and responding appropriately
      • Techniques for showing customers they're heard
      • Handling customer concerns with understanding
      • Converting frustrated customers into loyal patrons
    3. Creating the Perfect Shopping Experience (15 min)
      • Maintaining an inviting store environment
      • Proactive customer service approaches
      • Going the extra mile without being pushy
      • Small gestures that make big differences

    Perfect For

    • New convenience store associates looking to build their customer service skills
    • Experienced staff seeking to enhance their customer relationships
    • Store managers wanting to improve team performance and customer satisfaction
    • Anyone interested in developing their professional communication abilities

    Additional Resources

    • Visit c-storethrive.com for more employee development content
    • Join our community to share experiences and best practices
    • Download our companion guide for quick reference during your shift

    Connect 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
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    20 mins

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