Retail sales professionals are responsible for helping customers find the product they seek collect funds for purchases and coax people into buying from a store or company. Store sales associates also provide information about the product to the customer.
Sales people in some industries also process credit card payments and pack the merchandise for the customer. Cash handling is also another important feature. Every salesperson in retail stores must process returns for refund or exchanges. Gift wrap is another task some may be responsible for. Keeping the sales floor clean for customers will leave a good impression on the customers.
People who have retail sales jobs work unusual hours that vary daily. Evening and weekend work is typical in this field. More hours are worked during holiday seasons and special sales.
A college education is not required, though this qualification will help someone move up the ladder quickly. Experience will also aid in getting a promotion into a managerial retail sales job. Sometimes, just a high school diploma is enough to land a job in this profession.
If a managerial position is what you seek then a college degree in management is required. Make sure courses in economics, accounting, and business law are taken. Courses related to human resources and sociology are helpful. Marketing information is also highly beneficial.
Certification is also available for sales associates to obtain. Examples are a Certified Retail Professional, Certified Store Manager as well as Certified District Manager. The certification process can be done online.
A retail sales person must always be courteous and respectable toward the potential purchaser. People in this field must enjoy working with other people, whether customers or not. Teamwork is important especially with other colleagues working with you. When working with people to initiate business, a person must have a clean professional appearance. Being bilingual is extremely beneficial to communicate with people who do not speak English.
Many retailers provide paid training to their employees with specialized handbooks geared toward their industry. Most sales positions in the retail industry gain knowledge using hands on experience.
Most learning is done using hands on techniques. Large retail sales entities have customized programs for each department that includes giving information on the products sold, how to operate a cash register, how to make a sale, and motivate a person to buy more.
In 2006, more than four million people held retail sales jobs. People were employed in small stores and large department stores. Department stores and large retail stores employed most of the individuals specializing in this field. Some were online and also offline mail sales. Retail stores are located in every town of every state that employment is available.
Because many people do not stay employed in this field, searches are ongoing for sales staff. Some individuals change careers or do not enjoy the hours of work so replacements are always needed. There is also plenty of part time work available in the sales force. Retailers hire students to work on a part time basis after school or during the summer.
The industry is expected to grow but the growth rate will depend on the location and the current economic status. Growth is high near the holidays for gift shopping and special sales. Retailers are also known for hiring temporary sales personnel.
The average rate per hour for a sales person in this field is from $7.80 to $12.80 per hour. The lowest rate paid found is $6.79 but the highest can go up to $18.45. Inexperienced retail workers are offered the minimum wage of $5.85 but this will depend on the state regulations. Some states have a higher minimum wage. The industry the retail entity is engaged in will also play a part in the pay. Automobile sales will pay higher as most are on a commission only basis. Many retailers also operate payroll in the same manner, especially electronics departments of popular retail chains.
There are also retailers who offer both an hourly rate and an hourly salary. Another method is to offer an hourly salary and then monthly commissions with the amount paid already deducted.
The retail industry is diverse and full of opportunity. Retailers are always looking for jobs and people are always looking for unique and beneficial products to purchase. This is an excellent field for those who wish to work their way up the ladder to a management position.
