Question 1

What is the single biggest suggestion you would give to someone wanting to get into this career?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

“Know your stuff. Don’t assume just anyone can work at a record store. You have to know more about music than the average person on the street.”

Question 2

What’s the #1 mistake people make when trying to get into this career?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

“Thinking you’ll just be sitting around listening to music all day and not really doing anything else. The stereotype of snotty, bored Record Store Clerks hasn’t, in my experience, been true. You’ve got to like people and want to help them. If a store wants to succeed, they’ve got to have good customer service.”

Question 3

What is the question people should ask about this career but rarely do?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

“That’s a hard one. I think a lot of people outside of the record store community don’t really get why you’d want to work retail, which can mean working on holidays and doing a lot of physical work without taking home massive paychecks. 
“My answer to that is the people. The people you work with are usually super awesome, kind, creative and entertaining. And it can be awesome to connect with customers over music you’re both passionate about.”

Question 4

If you could describe in one word what makes you successful, what would it be?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

“Knowledgeable.”

Question 5

Extra Credit: The Beatles or Rolling Stones?

Alison Stolpa · Accepted Answer

“I’m thankful for the Beatles’ influence on the development of popular music, but I’d way rather listen to the Stones. Their early stuff is pretty much the epitome of rock ’n’ roll.

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Record Store Clerk