This guide helps music store owners create a clear and effective employee handbook that outlines roles, policies, and expectations. A well-structured handbook builds consistency, professionalism, and teamwork across the business.

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About Your Store

• Mission: Write a short statement about your store’s purpose. Example: "We bring music to our community by offering quality instruments, lessons, and support."
• Values: List the values that guide your store’s decisions. Example: Kindness, teamwork, creativity, and customer care.
• Your Story: Share how your store started and why it’s special. Example: "Our store began as a family dream to make music more accessible to everyone."

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General Store Policies

1. Be On Time: Explain your expectations for punctuality and how to notify you if someone can’t work their shift.
2. Keep the Store Clean: Encourage employees to maintain a clean and organized workspace.
3. Be Friendly: Emphasize the importance of treating customers and coworkers with respect.
4. Know the Products: Encourage employees to learn about your instruments, supplies, and services to better assist customers.
5. Follow the Rules: Make it clear how employees can ask questions or report concerns about policies.

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Dress Code

• Describe what employees should wear to look professional and approachable.
• Include examples of acceptable clothing (e.g., neat jeans and a polo shirt) and items to avoid (e.g., torn clothes or offensive designs).
• Highlight the importance of wearing name tags.

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Behavior and Expectations

• Be Helpful: Encourage employees to assist customers and coworkers whenever possible.
• Stay Focused: Limit personal phone use during work hours.
• Be Honest: Create an open culture where employees can admit mistakes and ask for help.
• Work as a Team: Stress the importance of collaboration to keep the store running smoothly.

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Safety Rules

1. Prevent Accidents: Teach employees to keep walkways clear and report hazards.
2. Handle Instruments Safely: Explain how to carry and store instruments to avoid damage.
3. Emergency Procedures: Outline steps to take during fires, severe weather, or medical emergencies.
4. Robbery Prevention: Provide instructions for staying calm and safe during a robbery.
5. Theft Awareness: Train employees to watch for signs of theft and how to report suspicious activity.

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Hours and Pay

• Explain your scheduling process and how employees can request changes.
• Describe break policies, overtime rules, and how pay is handled (e.g., direct deposit, pay periods).

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Performance Reviews

• What You Review: Let employees know how you measure success (e.g., customer service, teamwork, punctuality).
• When Reviews Happen: Share your schedule for regular feedback and evaluations.

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Ending Employment

• Explain what employees need to do if they choose to leave the job.
• Include how you handle final paychecks and returning store property.

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Example: Employee Handbook

Welcome to Melody Music Store!

About Us:

• Mission: We help our community make beautiful music by offering great instruments, expert repairs, and friendly lessons.
• Values: Creativity, kindness, and teamwork.
• Our Story: Melody Music Store started 10 years ago to make music accessible to everyone in town. We believe music is for everyone, and we’re here to help make it happen.

Policies:

1. Be On Time: Shifts start at the time scheduled. Notify your manager if you’re running late or need time off.
2. Keep the Store Clean: Always tidy up your area and help clean displays.
3. Be Friendly: Greet every customer with a smile and offer help.

Dress Code:

• Wear neat jeans and a polo shirt with your name tag.
• Comfortable shoes are a must.

Safety Rules:

1. Keep walkways clear to avoid accidents.
2. Handle instruments carefully to prevent damage.
3. Follow fire and weather safety plans.

Pay and Hours:

• Shifts are scheduled weekly. Breaks are 15 minutes for every 4 hours worked.
• Paychecks are issued bi-weekly.

Performance:

• Reviews happen every 6 months. We look at customer service, teamwork, and product knowledge.

Ending Employment:

• Provide at least two weeks’ notice. Return all store property before your last day.

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Next Steps

1. Customize Your Handbook: Use this guide to include the rules, policies, and values that matter most to your store.
2. Share It with Employees: Give a copy to every team member. Go over it together during training.
3. Keep It Updated: Review your handbook at least once a year to make sure it reflects current policies and best practices.

By creating a clear and helpful employee handbook, you’ll set your team up for success and make your store a great place to work.