Every year customers spend million of dollars on merchandise and depend upon a sales force for help. Whether selling computer equipments, shoes, or automobiles, a retail salesperson assists customers in finding the proper things they are looking for and make them buy the goods.
Nature of Work
A retail salesperson has to describe the characteristics of a product/service. He has to demonstrate its use, show many models and colors. Besides selling, some salespersons, especially, who serve in apparel stores and departments prepare sales checks, debit, receive cash, and charge payment. A retail salesperson has to open and close cash registers. This task may comprise of counting the money in the register, coupons, separating charge slips, exchange vouchers, making deposits at the cash office.
Salespersons are accountable for the contents of their registers. The major work of retail salesperson is to lay emphasis on providing good and efficient service to stay firm in the competitive environment. For instance, when a consumer wants an item which is not available on the sales floor, the salesperson has to get it from the stockroom or place an order or contact another store to locate the item.
A salesperson must possess some skills. A retail salesperson, for instance, working in an automobile shop needs to have knowledge of automobiles. They must be able to describe the aspects of various models, financing options, and the warranty. Salesperson also deals with exchanges and returns of goods.
Additionally, retail salespersons arrange delivery of purchases, take inventory, mark price tags, and prepare display. Retail salesperson should be aware of special promotions and sales. They should recognize thefts and security risks and must know how to prevent such situations.
Work Environment
Salespersons who are working in retail trade execute their tasks in comfortable and spacious stores. Nonetheless, they need to stand for long time and may require managerial approval to leave the sales floor. Sometimes, they need to work outdoors if they sell items like plants, cars, and lumber yard materials.
Generally, retail salespersons work 40 hours a week. During the peak retail periods, salespersons have to work on evenings and weekends. Career in sales offers a number of opportunities for part-time job and usually appeals to retired people, students, and other aspiring to earn extra income.
Training
Retail salespersons acquire skills through on-the-job training. Some organizations offer special training to their employees. Candidates who have completed college degree may help them to get into this field. Such candidates may apply for management positions.
Educational Qualification
There is no formal education required to become a retail salesperson. However, a high school diploma or equivalent is preferred. In many large organizations, candidates holding extensive experience may be called salesperson. In some stores, training sessions are formal and generally organized many times in a year. Such training session may include information about security, customer service, polices, procedures, and how to handle cash register.
Retail salespersons may be given special training by sales representatives. For instance, salespersons working in cosmetics get many instructions on the type of products. In a similar way, a salesperson working as a motor vehicle dealer is given instructions on the technical details. The major task of salesperson is to equip customers with best services. Employers seek for the candidates who enjoy their work and possess good communication skills.
Responsibilities
Career Opportunities
There are an increasing number of job opportunities in the field of sales. A job of salesperson is widely accepted due to its part-time nature. Temporary workers are in great demand during the peak selling period such as holiday seasons. The part-time nature of the work appeals people seeking to supplement income.
The demand for sales workers is likely to get down during the economic downturns. Purchases of expensive items such as furniture, appliances, and cars tend to be postponed during difficult economic times. Many retail salespersons frequently move to other occupations to get better pay scale or career opportunities.
Generally, large retail businesses prefer to employ college graduates as management trainees. However, capable and motivated employees without any college degree may have supervisory or administrative positions in large films. Once a salesperson gains experience and seniority, they generally turn to positions of bigger responsibility.
Experience in retail selling is an asset when applying for higher position in sales in industries like wholesales trade, financial services, and manufacturing. A retail salesperson has to work in various stores like building material and garden equipment, department stores, clothing accessories stores, supplies dealers, motor vehicle, general merchandise stores, part dealers, etc.