Hire a Salesperson
A salesperson is hired by retail establishments to enthusiastically welcome customers and assist them with their needs. After determining the shopper's requirements, they provide product recommendations and demonstrate how the product works. They aim to get the customers to make a purchase by explaining how the merchandise will benefit them. The salesperson can sell anything from clothes, cars, and electronics, to furniture or even groceries. They might also work in an establishment that sells everything under one roof, similar to a departmental store. A salesperson usually operates in a fast-paced environment and can be employed full or part-time. These professionals are mostly compensated hourly and earn an average annual salary of around $25,000 per year. Most of them earn commission on sales and overtime pay as they primarily work in shifts. Workers often receive employee discounts on the products they sell. The compensation depends on the company that hires them, the type of retail establishment they are working for, and the job responsibilities. A salesperson with the right experience can move up to positions of greater responsibility. Senior salespersons may get a chance to work in a department of their choice. Professionals looking for better income often move to locations with potentially higher earnings and commissions. In larger retail stores, they have the opportunity to get promoted to a managerial role.
Allotted tasks and duties
The role of a salesperson differs from that of a sales promoter, who sells products on behalf of manufacturers and wholesalers. On a typical day, a salesperson has to greet customers, ascertain what a customer wants, elucidate the product's features, and demonstrate its use. They explain the differences between products, answer related questions, and help resolve complaints. They are responsible for informing customers about sales, promotions, and any store-related policies. In addition, they might need to order specialized or out-of-stock items on behalf of the customers. Other essential duties include preparing sales receipts, processing payments for purchases, and setting up merchandise displays.
Expected skills and competencies
Most employers prefer that candidates have a high school diploma or equivalent. Employers often provide on-the-job training to new hires to help them perform better. Those who have prior experience in a retail setting are usually favored. To succeed as a retail salesperson, candidates must have good customer service and people skills. They must have excellent communication and interpersonal skills to achieve sales objectives. Good selling skills are necessary, as they have to persuade customers to make purchases. Motivation to work through busy shifts and work flexible hours is also an essential requirement of the role.
