Vantaggi
Being able to help people hear better, especially through the Miracle Ear Foundation, is rewarding. Set schedule, no weekend hours at my location, paid holidays off. When sales are good, commission can be in the thousands per month.
Svantaggi
Management is unprofessional, belittling and talks down to staff. High sales pressure and the prices are too expensive for our target demographic. When sales goals are not met, management treats you like you're a failure, yet they do little to help even when asked directly for advice or training. The focus on sales is far greater than the concern for doing what is best for the client. It often feels like you are expected to pressure clients to accept financing they cannot afford just so you can make the sale. I've had an elderly, fixed income client cry in my office because if they took on financing for new hearing aids, they would not be able to afford their rent. I often feel ashamed for asking people to spend so much when they are already struggling to get by. Base salary works out to roughly $12.50 per hour for a 40 hour week, which is pathetic for the amount of technical knowledge and skill needed to conduct a hearing evaluation, fit hearing aids and service them. No health insurance, no 401k, no vision, no dental, minimal paid time off. Nothing is put into writing, no employment contract, handbook or written expectations are given, and any verbally expressed expectations are subject to change without warning. This is a very stressful environment, with no room for advancement unless you intend to become a franchise owner.