At WiseGEEK, we're committed to delivering accurate, trustworthy information. Our expert-authored content is rigorously fact-checked and sourced from credible authorities. Discover how we uphold the highest standards in providing you with reliable knowledge.
How do I Become a Door Greeter?
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Door greeters are retail professionals who have the responsibility of greeting customers as they arrive at a store. In most situations, the responsibilities of the greeter also include engaging in some amount of security coverage, as well as directing customers toward various departments within the establishment. For anyone interested in learning how to become a door greeter, it is important to realize that different retailers have slightly different requirements for the position.
In many instances, a higher education is not required to become a door greeter. Individuals with a high school education are just as likely to be considered for the position as someone holding a two- or four-year degree. More often, the employer is likely to focus on the general appearance of the individual, making sure the prospective greeter is neat and tidy. Good physical health is often required, since it is necessary to stand for long periods of time, as well as some lifting, climbing, and carrying.
Anyone who wishes to become a door greeter needs to enjoy working with people. A friendly smile and pleasant voice go a long way with this type of work. A pleasant demeanor makes it much easier to greet customers at the door or answer any questions that people have as they enter the store. Since part of the job responsibilities include the need to check customer receipts, as well as the need to spot any shoplifters, an individual with solid customer service skills will do very well as a door greeter.
In some situations, the requirements to become a door greeter will include at least some background in loss prevention or security. Retired police officers are often considered highly desirable as greeters, as well as former security guards and others are familiar with the concepts of loss prevention and inventory control. Whether you want to work for a big company like Wal-Mart, Home Depot, Tesco, or Asda, or for a locally owned retail establishment will often govern the scope of the experience you need.
To become a door greeter with a particular company, look into their application process. Some of the larger retailers accept applications via a secure site online, while others will require that you apply in person. In any event, be prepared for at least one follow-up interview if your application is found acceptable, and there is a position currently open. Don’t hesitate to apply at several local retailers, since it is not unusual for extra greeters to be hired around a holiday or when a major sale is pending. With a little perseverance, you can become a door greeter in the store of your choice, and help make the shopping experience a little better for everyone who comes through the door.
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.
Learn more...AS FEATURED ON:
AS FEATURED ON:
-
![A door greeter must keep an eye out for shoplifters.]()
By: Steve LovegroveA door greeter must keep an eye out for shoplifters. -
![A door greeter may have been formerly employed as a security guard.]()
By: LsantilliA door greeter may have been formerly employed as a security guard. -
![Door greeters may be employed at a shopping mall.]()
By: Photocreo BednarekDoor greeters may be employed at a shopping mall. -
![Door greeters may have a background in customer service.]()
By: habrdaDoor greeters may have a background in customer service. -
![A door greeter must adopt a friendly smile.]()
By: yanlevA door greeter must adopt a friendly smile.
Discussion Comments
I work in a different department during the weekdays. On weekends I was greeting at Home Depot. People are rude and talk on cell phones and do not like to have their receipts viewed. Most just give nasty looks, while some are in a rush and frustrated.
I recently had two women almost back to back threaten me. Then out of satisfaction, they returned the next day to let me know they complained about me to my corporate. Fortunately for me, I reported the incidents immediately. But unfortunately, had I not, they probably would be enjoying a gift card for their inconvenience and the greeter gets a "earning". Home Depot lets the customer get away with everything and the employee is pretty much told to suck it up.
A door greeter should be considered a professional job, and have a degree attached to it because there is a lot of service that goes behind the art of greeting people and making their day. Like smiling all the time, making someone smile, and asking how their day is? That can be considered a lot of work.
Being a door greeter is not always easy. I shop at a couple of different stores that have their door greeters check receipts before customers leave the store. I think this is fine, the store is just trying to prevent theft and they have every right to do so.
But I have seen many customers becoming very upset and even yelling and being rude to the door greeters. I think some people feel that they are being treated like a criminal because they are asked to show their receipt. It's also fine if someone doesn't agree with a store policy but I feel so bad when door greeters are treated rudely because of it.
Door greeters are just doing their job and they don't make the policies. I just wish that people understood this and took up their concerns with higher management or the corporates rather than taking it out on the door greeter.
As a customer, I think I am more likely to go into a store if I see a friendly and well dressed door greeter.
One time my mom and I were shopping and wanted to look around in one store. The door greeter was rude and generally looked very unhappy. We left that store right away because of her. I realized then that people's attitudes and auras are also really important. A smiling door greeter that looks really nice and polished kind of invites you in from far away. He or she gives that first impression about the store and that literally can be a make or break for me.
I also love it when they say "thank you" when I'm leaving even if I have not bought anything. I feel like they really care for my presence. It's such a nice thing to do!
If I were a store manager, I would just pick the most friendly and kind employee in the store to do that job.
I used to work at a clothing store in the mall when I was in college. I only worked during the holiday season because people do so much shopping at that time and stores need extra seasonal help. I've basically worked at all of the different positions in the store but the one I enjoyed the most was door greeter.
It was relatively more easy because all I was required to do was to wait in the front of the store, welcome customers and tell them about the sales as soon as they entered. It can be kind of tough saying the same things over and over again. But it's also nice to interact with people that way. And they usually smile back and say hi.
I would recommend door greeter position especially for those who are social, people friendly and enjoy helping customers. I used to also get a lot of requests to help customers find a particular item or piece of clothing when I was a door greeter. That was nice too because I could make suggestions and it felt good to be helping people.
I was never asked to help with security as a door greeter though. It was a pretty small store so I think our managers preferred to take responsibility for that themselves. All employees were generally warned to watch out for shoplifters anyway and my job didn't require anything more than that.
Post your comments