Part of managing the sales floor includes deciding who is working and when. A well-written schedule ensures that not only does each customer receive the world-class service they’ve come to expect at Fleet Feet, but it also helps to keep Outfitters engaged, drives improved performance, and serves the bottom line of the business by maximizing payroll. 

To write an effective salesfloor schedule, it's best to...

• Use the Scheduling Tool. To begin, use the Scheduling Tool to identify the total number of hours you need to schedule for each sales day. The tool bases its recommendations on key information like last year's top-line sales, the projected growth rate, your sales per hour per Outfitter goal, and sales by time. Remember that these numbers are a guideline, so use your best judgment to round them up or down as needed.

• Fine-Tune the Schedule with Your Experience. After using the Scheduling Tool, apply your experience and insights to fine-tune the schedule. Consider factors that could impact the recommended hours, such as events from last year that aren't happening this year or new events that need to be factored in. Adjust the schedule if something "doesn't sit right with you".

• Staff the Schedule Strategically. When you begin to staff the schedule, consider more than just the number of hours. Make sure you have individuals who can fulfill opening and closing duties. Designate a Team Leader for each shift and ensure new hire training schedules are aligned with yours or another trainer's. Also, be sure to build in enough time for Outfitter meal breaks.

• Set Clear Expectations with Your Team. It's essential to set clear expectations about the schedule with your team as early as possible and to hold to them consistently. Before you do so, align with your Owner or Operating Partner on key questions like how far in advance the schedule will be released, the process for requesting time off, and how to handle shift swaps.

• Scheduling Tool

• Scheduling Tool Instructional Manual

• Scheduling Guide

• RICS