Hire a Retail Sales Consultant
A retail sales consultant assists prospective customers with their product selections and then proceeds to close sales. Their goal is to provide superior customer service and meet the sales quotas of the business. They identify the customer's needs, listen to and resolve queries about the store's products and services and recommend solutions. They may be in charge of the whole store or a particular section or department. These professionals primarily are employed by standalone niche stores, departmental stores, or retail chains. These consultants usually work in an indoor setting in a team environment and report to the store manager. However, when working for a retail chain with multiple stores, they might need to travel to various locations. A mid-career retail sales consultant with 5-9 years of experience earns an average total compensation of $56,000 annually. The earnings usually include tips, bonuses, and overtime pay. Commonly followed career paths for this position include the outside sales representatives, retail sales manager, or regional sales manager.
Essential tasks key to the job
The retail sales consultant must contribute to the store's profitability and ensure that customers leave the store satisfied. Their daily duties include greeting and directing buyers, answering specific product queries, and securing a sale. They should be familiar with the company’s products and their features to help customers make an informed decision. While closing a purchase, they should try to cross-sell or upsell similar products for a better deal. Retail sales consultants have to conduct price and feature comparisons in order to facilitate purchasing. Apart from this, they should ensure that the stores are well-stocked, manage returns, and coordinate with the team to provide excellent customer service. They must inform customers about discounts and special offers. The consultants also have to provide customer feedback to the store manager and stay up-to-date about new market trends. In addition, they have to keep thorough records of all purchase-related information.
Prerequisites for the role
To apply for this position, the candidate must have a high school diploma or equivalent, along with computer literacy. They must have prior experience as a sales consultant or a similar role. A sales consultant must be a good listener, personable and empathetic. Since customer satisfaction is key, excellent communication and interpersonal skills are required both before and after the product purchase. Being skilled in positive conversation and interactions is a soft skill that employers often seek. Retail sales consultants must be knowledgeable about the products so that they can describe product features in simple terms to the customers. A retail sales consultant must be confident, assertive, and have an honest approach to the job. To succeed, they must have exceptional organizational skills, keen improvisation ability, and remarkable negotiation skills.
