I used to work at a jewelry store and we had quotas to fulfill for credit card signups. I always made my quota, which increased sales dramatically. The best way to do it is to "assume" the sale, rather than asking someone if they want it. Of course, sometimes you will be met with objections, like, "I don't want an inquiry on my credit score," yadda yadda. But you can get around this.

First of all, have confidence and take charge, but without being pushy. Be friendly and assertive. When a customer starts really liking something, you say, "Let's put that on your new ____ card and you will save 10%." Or whatever the promotion the store is running. You take out the application and put it in front of the customer and just have them start filling it out. Don't ASK them to do it, just put the application down on the counter and say, "Please fill out this part here." and then draw a little line on the top portion that you want them to fill out. DO NOT DO IT FOR THEM. Make the customer do it. This is important because you don't want them coming back and saying that you made them or forced them. If the app is in their own handwriting, then it is presumed that they wanted to fill it out (with your strong suggestion).

- Tips: Make it seem like its no big deal. If you make a big deal about it, the customer will balk or get scared. If you shrug it off and just start talking about the weather or something about them, then they will just feel comfortable doing it. Start making conversation about their kids, etc. NOT ABOUT YOU, make it about THEM. People love to talk about themselves and this will yield higher sales for you if you become an avid listener and let them jibber jabber about their lives with you.

- After they fill it out, make sure they sign it! If they do not sign it, once again this can come back as "no deal".

- Once everything is complete, just assure the customer that it will only take one minute and offer them a bottle of water or something while you go and get the approval (or decline in some cases unfortunately). While you are waiting for a reply - which can sometimes take 5 - 10 minutes, go back and make small talk with the customer or show them some additional items. This can also benefit you because if they get approved for the card, you can talk them into buying some of these additional items that they looked at while you were waiting.

- Another tip: Once you do get an approval, be EXCITED. Say, "I have good news for you! You have been approved for $500 today." Genuine enthusiasm works every time. It makes the customer feel great that you have done them a favor, but meanwhile you have increased your sales!