One respected optician shares her top tips for dispensing neophytes.

Eyewear guru and optician extraordinaire Julia Gogosha is the owner and founder of the much-lauded Gogosha Optique in Los Angeles.

“Learning to be an optician is one opportunity after another to find your groove and your own special interest and skill set within a layered profession,” she says. “Opticians, at our core, are dedicated to service and solutions. The more elements you commit to mastering, the more solutions you can offer a client. Keep your curiosity and never stop learning.”

Here, she shares 10 tips for newbies to the profession.

1. KNOW YOUR INVENTORY.

Touch, try on, and clean every frame in stock for the first three to six months of employment and again when new inventory arrives. Get a feel for the differences of construction, details, and fit. You should be able to see a face and know at least five to 10 frames that will fit that person. When you get this right, you win the client’s trust.

2. SHOW, DON’T TELL.

Be open to feedback and aware of limiting language. Guide with knowledge. Don’t tell what you know—show it.

3. LIVEN UP YOUR LINGO.

Develop a language of descriptors. Paint a picture with words while leaving room for the client’s interpretation.

4. BRUSH UP ON STAR STYLE.

Learn eyewear icons. Past and present, clients will often refer to what they know—and you best know what they see in their mind’s eye to help guide their selection. Think Harry Carey, Iris Apfel, Tone Loc, and more…

5. SHOWCASE A SELECTION.

Or/And. Learn when it’s an OR—or an AND. People often want more than one frame that does it all; they need you to show them how to make the most of their selection.

6. NEVER COUNT A CLIENT’S POCKETS.

Let the client tell you when it’s too much or too many. Never assume what they can and cannot afford.

7. SHARE YOUR KNOWLEDGE.

Outline features, advantages, and benefits to each frame. Just because it’s obvious to you does not mean a client is aware. State the obvious.

8. HIGHLIGHT PERSONAL STYLE.

Suggest how to wear different frames in a wardrobe and different environments—professionally, casually, special occasion. Highlight the versatility of different designs.

9. LET THERE BE LIGHT.

After showing frames close up, show in a full-length mirror as well as outside in natural light. Game. Changer.

10. HUMILITY IS KEY.

If you don’t know the answer to a question, don’t guess or lie. The response should always be, “Good question, let me find that out and get back to you.” Humility and follow-up are always appreciated.