Retail Sales Assistant Job Profile and Description

A retail sales assistant works in retail store and is responsible for selling just about anything that the store sells. In a retail store, a retail sales assistant is the driving force for making sales and he is the first person that a customer comes in contact with entering the store.

The job of a retail sales assistant is to recommend products, answer queries, provide advice on the products and most importantly sell the products. In some stores, the retail sales assistant could also function as a cashier and hence would have to handle cash and credit card transactions. The person is also in-charge of ensuring that the shop floor is presentable at all times.

 Retail Sales Assistant Duties and Responsibilities

The duties and responsibilities of retail sales assistant can vary based upon the size of the retail store. Usually, in smaller stores, the retail sales assistant will have to handle managerial as well as administrative duties and responsibilities. On the other hand, in a big store, the retail sales assistant will be allocated specific duties and responsibilities. In general, a retail sales assistant has the following duties and responsibilities:

  • Greeting customers on arrival to the store
  • Assisting customers select the right product
  • Showing all the different kinds of products that the customer wants to see
  • Arranging demonstration of the products
  • Explaining how a product is used
  • Highlighting the benefits of having the product
  • Showcasing the qualities of the product
  • Accepting payments for products sold
  • Handing invoices to customers
  • Taking care of exchange of products
  • Making sure that the products have their respective price tags
  • Displaying products in an appealing and attractive way
  • Keep the shop floor neat and tidy

 Retail Sales Assistant Skills and Specifications

The skills and specifications that a retail sales assistant needs are as follows:

  • Excellent communication skills
  • Be able to multitask
  • Have knowledge about every single product in the store
  • Have good convincing abilities
  • Having knowledge about how products work
  • Being able to demonstrate the working of the products
  • Be calm and patient
  • Have the knack of handling difficult customers
  • Be polite and courteous
  • Have the ability to understand customer need and accordingly show them the products
  • Be patient and friendly
  • Be approachable
  • Be presentable and well-dressed

 Retail Sales Assistant Education and Qualifications

To work as a retail sales assistant, a person needs the following education and qualifications:

  • A high school diploma or equivalent
  • Having a certificate in sales and marketing can be an added bonus

 Retail Sales Assistant Salary

A retail sales assistant is paid by the hour, and the person can earn anywhere from $10 to $12 per hour. Many stores have sales targets and if a retail sales assistant meets those targets, he could get a bonus.

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