InterviewEmployee interview

"I'm a lifelong salesman. At least as long as I receive words of praise from customers and still have energy and stamina."

Operations Division II Sales Department I
at Mitsukoshi Osaka Masakazu Sawai (joined Kashikey in 2015)

  • Story.1Even when I've changed companies, I've been dedicated to sales and if I'm not confident then our products won't sell.

    This year marks my eighth year since coming to work at Kashikey. Before that, I worked in the sales department for valued customers at JR Osaka Mitsukoshi Isetan, doing "out-of-store sales" for the department store. Currently, as the Mitsukoshi manager for Kashikey, my work involves doing outside sales by accompanying the Mitsukoshi out-of-store sales department manager to visit customers. I also handle over-the-counter sales at the Mitsukoshi Osaka Gift Salon.
    Even when I've changed companies, I've spent my career being dedicated to sales. Our clients always come first, and I talk sincerely, without putting on airs, while learning from my customers so that I can suggest products that really suit them.
    In general, our out-of-store sales customers are discerning and often demanding, but such customers tell us that it's just like Kashikey to bring diamonds that are nicer than the ones they see other places. They place their faith in the quality and brilliance of our diamonds. These customers are often surprised that we have a lineup of conch pearls as well that is much more varied than those of other companies. Because I want our customers who are well acquainted with luxury brands to hold Kashikey products in their hands and get an understanding of their quality, I tell them that it's fine to compare Kashikey with other brands. If I don't have confidence and pride in our products, then they won't sell.

  • Story.2The thing that makes me the most happy is when a customer is delighted by our products.

    As a salesman, I always represent the company, but I talk with our customers person-to-person. Therefore, it makes me the most happy when a customer is delighted by our products as an individual. Some customers have even been patronizing us for over 40 years.
    One customer purchased a piece of Kashikey jewelry decorated with an extremely valuable pink diamond from the world's top "Argyle Pink Diamonds Tender." This person has continuously ordered from us, spending between tens of millions to 100 million yen each year. On top of that, because I receive compliments from customers who tell me, "Thank you for recommending excellent pieces to me," I feel blessed to be in my position as a salesman.

  • Story.3Doing business means that the salesman conducts business and doesn't lose interest.

    When I was still a beginner salesman, I'll never forget what my boss at the time told me. "In the Japanese language, "doing business" quite literally means that the most important thing is for the salesman to conduct business. You must not lose interest in selling." This is a play on words in Japanese, but these words have been etched into my memory, and I've made them my motto.
    I want to continue to try my best as long as I'm needed as a salesman. As I get older, I won't be able to maintain my stamina, but that might be a matter of willpower...
    I want to value the customers I've had long relationships with, while at the same time bringing in as many new clients as I can.

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