Jobs, Careers and Occupations

Sales Assistants

Sales Assistants Nature of Work

Sales assistants sell, rent or lease a range of technical and non-technical goods and services directly to consumers. Stores and other retail businesses, wholesale businesses that sell on a retail basis to the public, employ them.

Sales Assistants Work Conditions

Some sales assistants work on a commission basis, which means that they are paid for each product, or number of products, that they sell. Sales assistants are on their feet most of the day, attending to customers, finalizing sales and tidying display units. They may work long hours and be required to work at night and on weekends.

Sales Assistants Personal Requirements

• a helpful, courteous manner
• able to deal accurately with money
• enjoy working with people
• good communication skills
• motivation and drive
• neat appearance
• no skin disorders if working with food
• willing to work as part of a team

Sales Assistants Employment Requirements

• Completion of secondary school may be required
• Demonstrated sales ability and product knowledge are usually required for sales assistants who sell complex or valuable merchandise, such as automobiles, antiques or computers.

Sales Assistants Duties and Tasks

Sales assistants may perform the following tasks:

• advise customers on the location, selection, price, delivery, use and care of goods available from the store, with the aim of encouraging them to buy and to return to buy in the future
• arrange for the repair of damaged goods, or advise on needed repairs
• be aware of health, safety and welfare issues and practices
• operate cash registers and accept payment, or prepare finance arrangements through, for example, invoices and contracts
• order items
• package goods for customers and arrange delivery
• participate in stocktaking
• price, stack and display items for sale, and keep the store tidy and attractive
• take special orders for items not currently in stock, or not normally stocked and notify customers when the items have arrived

Sales Assistant Example Titles

• Car Salesperson
• Clothing Salesperson
• Cosmetic Consultant
• Counter Clerks
• Delicatessen Assistant
• Fashion Sales Assistant
• Hardware Sales Assistant
• Pharmacy Sales Assistant
• Retail Sales Associate
• Retail Sales Clerk

Sales Assistants Related Occupations

• Bank Clerks
• Cashiers
• Customer Service Representatives
• Retail stock clerks

Sales Related Industries

• Apparel
• Banking
• Marketing