Where do you live/work, Hot? I don't know your background, but what you're expecting sounds quite unrealistic in any of the big metropolitan cities I've known and lived in (Tokyo, Paris, NY). And, at this time of recession when the unemployment rate of native French people (like any other country) is at an all time low, what on earth would be the reason that a top high-end company would hire a foreign student with intermediate French, not to mention pay him more than the usual? These are questions you need to ask yourself in order to increase your leverage, not just say "I cannot imagine how I would sell less".
I'm not surprised that teaching English pays more than being an SA at a high-end store; it is the same in Japan. Teaching English requires special skills and credentials, and NOT "literally anyone can do it"; that's an arrogant and false attitude some people have. There are "teachers", and there are teachers.
As for apartments, it is the ludicrous reality that the cheapest apartments at 700~800 Euros are tiny (and that is if you're lucky enough to find one available. ) It
is too small for any human being...but, everyone learns to live that way in Paris! Or, you can live in the banlieus, you'll find larger spaces there.
I say all this because going with this naive attitude only makes it more difficult for yourself to succeed,
especially in Paris.
But hey, that's one way to learn as well
dont really want to say where i live/ work (North East US to slightly narrow it down); my employer isnt yet aware of my intentions to leave...
what i'm expecting salary wise? Let me be clear, i wouldnt be expecting anything beyond 10 or so euros per hour salary, my assumption is that with commission the take home would be more, simply based on huge city, fashion capital of the world, tourist mecca.
where i live/ work, selling suits and whatnot is a daily occurrence. It is very easy to sell $3000-$7000 per day, if not even more during christmas rush, in a relatively small, non-fashion oriented city. (think about it....$10/ hour base salary, $300 per week on average. In one day sell one $1500 suit at 4% commission, 3 dress shirts at $300 each, 2 paris of jeans at $400 each, 2 pairs of shoes at $500 each and say $500-$1000 worth of smaller stuff...$5000 right there, $200 commission, selling maybe 10-12 items)
why would they hire me? Because my assumption, naive as it may be, is that a Parisian store requires people who can communicate with non-French or English speaking people. My ability to do that plus high end retail experience and success...
in different areas of the world the requirements for an english teacher vary...i should have specified literally anyone with a university degree can do it, especially Asia. In Paris/ Europe you need a certification. Assuming you can pay for that, it really isnt complicated. Having experience in both areas, i'd say those that can sell successfully are fewer and farther in between than those who can teach english.
what are the banlieus?
and of course this might be naive, but i am asking in order to gain knowledge before i go.
but still, my central question hasnt really been answered: assuming i can get a job at a high end store, do they pay commission or a set salary? If they do pay commission, how is it possible that, assuming a similar commission rate (4% or so), one would sell less in the fashion and tourist and shopping capital of the world?
if they dont pay commission, okay then that answers my question, and i'll maybe try to work part time both teaching and selling
(slightly off topic question, but do the stores there offer clothing discounts to employees?)
