| |
Sales Assistant
Sales assistants sell goods to customers in retail and
wholesale establishments.
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
- operate cash registers and accept payment, or prepare
finance arrangements through, for example, invoices and
contracts
- take special orders for items not currently in stock, or
not normally stocked, and notify customers when the items
have arrived
- package goods for customers and arrange delivery
- price, stack and display items for sale, and keep the
store tidy and attractive
- be aware of health, safety and welfare issues and
practices
- participate in stocktaking (counting and describing the
goods in stock)
- arrange for the repair of damaged goods, or advise on
needed repairs
- order items.
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, finalising sales and
tidying display units. They may work long hours and be
required to work at night and on weekends.
Sales assistants may specialise as a:
Car Salesperson who sells new or used cars in
showrooms or car yards. They may demonstrate to customers how
a car operates and take customers for short test-drives. They
may arrange vehicle trade-ins, prepare paperwork for sales and
arrange finance and insurance. They should know the special
features of vehicles they are selling and be able to compare
various makes of cars. Car salespeople generally start as
cadets, or junior salespeople, performing duties such as
registering cars. Car salespeople need to have a suitable car
driver's licence.
Computer Salesperson who considers the current and
future needs of the customer and proposes a computer hardware
and/or software system to meet those needs. This may include
organising demonstrations of computer systems. When a sale has
been made, computer salespeople arrange delivery and may
organise installation of the unit and training of operators.
Cosmetic Consultant who advises on, and
demonstrates, the correct use of cosmetics. They classify skin
types (normal, dry or oily), taking into account a customer's
age, facial structure and colouring. They then recommend
particular products, including medicated make-up, and methods
of applying cosmetics to enhance the customer's appearance.
Cosmetic consultants with strong creative abilities may work
for theatrical companies, TV studios or fashion magazines.
Delicatessen Assistant who sells foods such as
sausages, smoked meats, salads, cheese, fish, olives and other
specialist lines. They arrange products in attractive displays
and may make and sell lunches. Delicatessen assistants may
work in small shops or large supermarkets with delicatessen
sections.
Electrical Goods Sales Assistant who sells household
products and electrical equipment such as fans, heaters, food
mixers, sewing machines, radios, televisions, sound systems
and video recorders. They must have sound knowledge of the
products they sell. They advise customers about features such
as controls, wattage and power, as well as demonstrate and
compare products.
Fashion Sales Assistant who sells clothes and other
fashion items in department stores, fashion boutiques and
retail warehouses. They may advise customers on fashion
trends, suitable styles and colours and assist with store
displays.
Fast Food Sales Assistant who works in large or
small outlets selling food, drinks and other services. They
may prepare food for cooking, make dough or batter, spread
butter on bread, chop, cut or slice fillings, and prepare
salads. In fast food chain stores, sales assistants may work
at the counter or in the kitchen. Where dining areas are
provided, they may also clear tables, wash utensils and clean
floors and windows.
Hardware Sales Assistant who works in retail
businesses which supply and sell a range of hardware goods
such as lengths of timber, paint, brushes, hand tools, screws,
nails, tap washers and other general house maintenance
requirements. They may have to demonstrate tools and explain
how products work.
Pharmacy Sales Assistant who works with pharmacists
in chemist (pharmacy) shops. They assist customers in choosing
a range of products, including cosmetics, toiletries, hair
products and medicinal products, such as cough mixtures, cold
and headache tablets. They also refer prescriptions to the
pharmacist to prepare.
Seafood Sales Assistant who cleans and prepares fish
and other seafood for sale in a shop or fish market, serves
customers and provides advice on the available seafood and on
ways to cook and prepare it.
Required Skills - Sales Assistant
- enjoy working with people
- a helpful, courteous manner
- neat appearance
- good communication skills
- able to deal accurately with money
- motivation and drive
- no skin disorders if working with food
- willing to work as part of a team
Similar Jobs - Sales Assistant
Find work - Sales Assistant
Job Search - Sales Assistant
|
|
