Whether selling shoes, computer equipment, or automobiles, retail salespersons assist customers in finding what they are looking for. They also try to increase sales by describing a product's features, demonstrating its uses, and promoting its value.
In addition to selling, many retail salespersons—especially those who work in department and apparel stores—conduct financial transactions with their customers. This usually involves receiving payments by cash, check, debit card, or credit card; operating cash registers; and bagging or packaging purchases. Depending on the hours they work, retail salespersons may have to open or close cash registers. This work may include counting the money in the register and separating charge slips, coupons, and exchange vouchers. Retail salespersons also may have to make deposits at a cash office. In addition, retail salespersons may help stock shelves or racks, arrange for mailing or delivery of purchases, mark price tags, take inventory, and prepare displays.
For some sales jobs, particularly those involving expensive and complex items, retail salespersons need special knowledge or skills. For example, salespersons who sell automobiles must be able to explain the features of various models, the manufacturers' specifications, the types of options and financing available, and the details of associated warranties. In addition, all retail salespersons must recognize security risks and thefts and understand their organization's procedure for handling such situations—procedures that may include notifying security guards or calling police.
Most retail salespersons work in clean, comfortable, well-lit stores. However, they often stand for long periods and may need supervisory approval to leave the sales floor. They also may work outdoors if they sell items such as cars, plants, or lumber yard materials.
The Monday-through-Friday, 9-to-5 workweek is the exception rather than the rule for retail salespersons. Many salespersons work evenings and weekends, particularly during holidays and other peak sales periods. The end-of-year holiday season often is the busiest time, and as a result, many employers limit the use of vacation time between Thanksgiving and the beginning of January.
This occupation offers opportunities for both full-time and part-time work. About 34 percent of retail salespersons worked part time in 2008. Part-time opportunities may vary by setting, however, as many who sell big-ticket items are required to work full time.
| 1. | Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs. |
| 2. | Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers. |
| 3. | Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires. |
| 4. | Compute sales prices, total purchases and receive and process cash or credit payment. |
| 5. | Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise. |
| 6. | Prepare sales slips or sales contracts. |
| 7. | Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices. |
| 8. | Maintain records related to sales. |
| 9. | Demonstrate use or operation of merchandise. |
| 10. | Place special orders or call other stores to find desired items. |
| 11. | Prepare merchandise for purchase or rental. |
| 12. | Watch for and recognize security risks and thefts, and know how to prevent or handle these situations. |
| 13. | Inventory stock and requisition new stock. |
| 14. | Ticket, arrange and display merchandise to promote sales. |
| 15. | Exchange merchandise for customers and accept returns. |
| 16. | Clean shelves, counters, and tables. |
| 17. | Help customers try on or fit merchandise. |
| 18. | Sell or arrange for delivery, insurance, financing, or service contracts for merchandise. |
| 19. | Estimate and quote trade-in allowances. |
| 20. | Open and close cash registers, performing tasks such as counting money, separating charge slips, coupons, and vouchers, balancing cash drawers, and making deposits. |
| 21. | Estimate quantity and cost of merchandise required, such as paint or floor covering. |
| 22. | Bag or package purchases, and wrap gifts. |
| 23. | Estimate cost of repair or alteration of merchandise. |
| 24. | Rent merchandise to customers. |
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