 The Reason Behind the Dress Code
As most of us will concur, the ERAC dress code is a joke for the work that the typical MT does. However, the function of the suit serves two purposes. For one, it helps the company stay within its conservative roots. It is also well established in the psychological research world that appearance is linked with liking and trustworthiness. In other words, the better dressed and more attractive the salesperson is, the more likely the customer is to like, trust, and ultimately buy from them. The suit also gives the ERAC employee an air of authority/credibility over the customer as most are not dressed as well. It does make sense in this respect to dress sales people professionally. However, ERAC fails to take into account the other side of the coin. For one, the long hours, skipped lunches, fast food, and happy hours does nothing for their employees' attractiveness. Most look just plain out of shape and exhausted. Also, their suits are often dirty or worn out from washing all the cars and not having enough money to replace them. In summary, whatever credibility the suit gives is lost once the employee bends over to vacuum a car in front of the customer. I could see wearing a suit to go marketing but not if it involves donut drops. I am talking about REAL marketing, but sadly ERAC will never learn. They take on the attitude of, "Well, it's always been done this way, so why change now?" All they really need is a consulting firm to run a few test studies to show that the suit really doesn't help sales, and they would probably change. However, consultants cost actual money not to mention Joseph A. Banks would be upset that ERAC would give up their "Dress for Success" program. This company truly disgusts me how misrun it really is.  | 
2008-05-20 
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