Great culture, but still corporate - Customer Sales Associate Paper Source Employee Review

4.0
Jul 13, 2024
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Working in the bright and upbeat environment of Paper Source is great, and it is difficult not to find something new that makes you smile everyday. Downtimes are often filled with crafting, whether that be for store signage, new displays, or gift wraps. If you like being creative and helping others find what they're looking for, and are extraverted enough to make small talk with customers and coworkers, you'll enjoy it.

Cons

Benefits and pay are not awesome, though the employee discount is probably worth it especially if you love Barnes&Noble/books/craft supplies. Very few opportunities for promotions and raises, and once you get the gist of the job down there isn't much to learn. At the end of the day, it's still retail -- rude customers, constant standing and cleaning, oftentimes it gets boring especially in between holidays. This job can turn into cold sales really fast, or you risk losing hours, thanks to B&N, and customers are constantly complaining about price jumps.

Explore other reviews about Paper Source

5.0
Jun 23, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Positive environment. Easy job overall

Cons

Very slow sometimes, low sales except for the holiday season. Typical low retail pay

2.0
Jun 25, 2026
Recommend
CEO approval
Business Outlook

Pros

Good employee discount, schedule flexibility, low-stress environment

Cons

No upper management support. Since the brand has changed focus over time from crafts and customized stationery to gifts, a lot of customers come in expecting expert knowledge on crafting and paper, but there is no training to support that. High turnover, no growth with company.

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