If you dream of being your own boss, spending your days working within the world of fashion, then you might just be the perfect match for the job of boutique owner. Sure, it's a cutthroat world and there are rules and stuff, but why not see if you have a natural talent for the job with our career girl quiz? Just make a note of your answers to the questions below to find out if you're style savvy or a sartorial skivvy.
Q1) A customer comes in to your boutique asking for something specific, what do you do?
A) I'd pick the most expensive item I have and offer it to her; it's all about profits.
B) I listen to her request but there's no need to pay attention to details, then I pick something sorta suitable for her.
C) I pay careful attention to what she wants and try to give her exactly what she asked for: only the specific brand, item or colour she requested will do. (I might ask her to repeat her request to make sure I get it right.)
Q2) What do you do if a customer comes in asking for 'something new' in a totally unspecific way?
A) I pick out something expensive – she's clueless anyway so I might as well take advantage of that.
B) I inspect her general style and price range then see if I have anything that looks kinda right and offer it to her.
C) I take a good look at her outfit and use my knowledge of the brands to figure out what labels she's already wearing, then offer her something of the same (or similar) brand within her budget.
Q3) When would you get a customer to 'Try It On' versus asking them to 'Take A Look'?
A) There's a difference?
B) I would only ever ask a customer to 'Take A Look', I'd be too nervous to do anything else.
C) I would only ask a customer to 'Try It On' if I was positive she'd love my suggestion, if not I'd ask her to 'Take a Look'.
Q4) As a boutique owner, how do you like to look when you're at work?
A) I just pick an outfit I like and stick with it because what I look like isn't at all important, it's all about how good my advice is.
B) I like to look good but I never really pay attention to trends, so I only change my style when something I really like comes along.
C) Image is important in the fashion business and I should model the most up to date clothes, haircuts and makeup because I'm a walking advert for my boutique.
Q5) What's the deal with your stock room?
A) I only restock when I'm sold out of every darn thing I have to offer – I can't be bothered to go to the Exhibition Hall unless I really have to.
B) I check the Exhibition Hall every now and then, but I splurge and buy lots of the few items I like while ignoring other things completely.
C) I like to have as much selection as possible, but only one or two of every item: I can always restock when they sell. I go to the Exhibition Hall regularly to check out special offers and keep up to date.
Q6) What are your thoughts on the shop front window display?
A) I don't really care about window treatments, serving customers is where it's at!
B) I look at it every now and then. Dressing the mannequins so they look good to me (regardless of brand) is how I roll.
C) It's what entices customers into the store so I spend time on it regularly! Having as many mannequins as I possibly can outfitted to display specific brands reaps the best rewards.
NOW – figure out which letter you chose most to see which category you fit into!
Mostly C's: Faaabulous Fashionista
You know that running a boutique means being part model, part merchandiser, part personal stylist, part advertising exec and all fabulous. You know that regularly replenishing your stock, style and displays is all part of the fashion game and your great attitude and passion for fashion means we can't wait to see what a runaway success your boutique will be.
Mostly B's: Wannabe Stylist
You've got a lot of potential but will need some guidance to build up your confidence and bring out the skills you'll need to run a boutique, not just work in one. Don't worry, because we happen to know of a website where you can get support when you do try to run your own boutique; take the advice at this link and you can't go far wrong.
Mostly A's: Fashion Hits and Misses
Right now you're not exhibiting a natural talent for boutique ownership but if you've really got your heart set on it maybe you can fake it 'til you make it. If all else fails, make the support website we mentioned above your fashion bible and take baby steps. Good luck!