Sales Staff and Tattoos....Do they mix or still Taboo?

With the growing popularity of numerous Tatoos for both men and women, I would like to know your thoughts/feelings of salespeople who have them. I understand times change but as a Recruiter/Trainer, your opinion would be Valuable!!

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Permalink Reply by Bill Goodfriend on December 30, 2010 at 10:00pm

Really...really good post Glenn, however I also think or to add to the question/s is where are they (are they visible)? What does the tatoo convey in terms of verbiage or image? If it can be considered offensive in any way, can they cover it? It really doesn't help in today's market when the talent pool is already shrinking at a rapid pace. On the other hand, I'll say this...I see more and more tatoos every where I go. Not just younger people, middle aged and older as well. Discrimination is still here and very well alive. However, in the end, I think it really boils down to how well your salesperson comes across to the client. If they are really good and attentive to their needs and wants, listens well and offers suggestions that are truly in the customers best interest at least for considering then I think people are usually able to look past the personal decisions of one inking themselves. It is becoming more and more prevalent and I see this as a social change that will probably adapt. I'm from the mid-west so I'm a little more conservative. My own opinion is this, if it can be hidden then do it. One caveat, do we complain when or question when we see it at big box stores? We do, but does it really change our shopping it might and it might not. In all honesty, tatoos don't bother me much...it's people that are offensive, too much scent or not really focused on my questions, wants, or needs. Really good post Glenn, one of the best I've seen for a while now!

Permalink Reply by David Marod on December 31, 2010 at 1:55pm

I think also it depends where you are in the country. In seattle many many men and woman have lots of ink as i think the west coast does in general compared to the rest of the country. As i have seen stated there is a need for professional discretion I agree. I purposely have the ink on my tattooed arm starting high on the wrist so it doesn't stick out while wearing a dress shirt. If they are covered at work tattoos have no affect on sales ability. Would I hire someone inked? Of course. I would Also make sure they understood the need for professional attire if that was our look and feel, even in casual atmosphere long sleeves are required. Neck, hands, and knuckles?? They better be great sales people with a good story ....

Permalink Reply by Jack E Curenton on January 3, 2011 at 11:32am

I'd bet a "$" tattooed into the palm of the sales persons palm might be slightly off setting....

"I don't care how good your product is,,,,if they don't like/trust you....they won't buy from you,,"

Doc Dollar, PhD B.S.

Permalink Reply by Brad Alexander on January 3, 2011 at 6:02pm

I've got ink but I keep it covered @ work. My co-workers and customers alike are surprised when they see me out in public with short sleeves. I get comments from them like; "I never knew you had tattoos." or "You don't seem like the type to have tattoos." (whatever that means).

No, having ink or piercings doesn't make you a bad person or salesperson. Cover it up at work and take out the piercings. You represent a company and like it or not, they are not concerned with your individual expression. If being able to express individuality it that important in your employment you should work in a coffee shop or be in a rock band. Also do not care for the ear-gauges that stretch earlobes. Had a guy who replaced his gauges with flesh toned discs to make it less obvious. Didn't work, they didn't stand out as much as the multi-colored ones but he looked like the mutant offspring of Dumbo.

Bottom line: First impressions are lasting and you don't get a second chance to make a first impression. Most deals are made or lost at the meet and greet. Why add further risk to losing deals over personal expression. Like greeting a customer with your awesome Oakley sunglasses on, just not a good idea.

Permalink Reply by Richard Emmons on January 3, 2011 at 6:17pm

Well you could go with..." I tucked my hair under my hat" I think that the tatoos are a personal thing and should be covered up in the work place, however it does not make or break the salespersons abilities.