Learn about the important requirements, obligations, responsibilities, and skills that should be in a sales associate job description.
When you enter any retail store, a sales associate is one of the first people you’ll meet. They’re the ones that ring up your purchases, handle customer service requests, and help you make a return. Other names for this position are retail salespersons, sales floor associates, or something tailored specifically to the business they are working for. For example, some clothing stores call their sales associates “brand ambassadors.”
Are you looking to add a sales associate to your team? Post your first job opening for free on ZipRecruiter! You can also look at our list of the top places to post job openings.
Sales Associate Job Description Template
We’re looking to bring another sales associate onto our team! This position will focus on professionally representing the company and positively handling customer interactions. Dealing with frustrated customers is challenging, so candidates should have strong communication and problem-solving skills.
As a company member, sales associates must demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of what our company offers, including all products and services. They must also be able to discuss these things and our overall brand philosophy with customers in a friendly, empathetic way. Other duties include operating a cash register and creating an appealing sales floor presentation.
Sales Associate Responsibilities
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Greet customers in a welcoming way as they enter the building
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Use programs to complete transactions, including returns
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Interact with customers at an appropriate level, providing excellent customer service
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Be attentive to customer needs, offering assistance with and without prompting
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Provide recommendations for customers based on their preferences
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Achieving sales goals and other relevant milestones
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Have a strong understanding of products and services offered
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Explaining promotions to customers
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Help drive store sales
Sales Associate Requirements
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A high school diploma, GED, or equivalent
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Prior experience working in a retail sales or customer service position
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Basic math skills
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Able to stand or sit for long periods of time
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Lifting over 25+ pounds
Sales Associate Duties and Responsibilities
Greet customers in a welcoming way as they enter the building
Everyone wants to feel welcomed when they walk into a store. A simple “Hello!” isn’t going to cut it. The best sales associates will give every customer a genuine, cheerful greeting when they enter and thank them when they leave. While this requires more effort, it can increase your conversion rate and ticket average.
Interact with customers at an appropriate level, providing excellent customer service
Interacting with customers is a necessary part of being a sales associate. If a customer doesn’t feel like they’re acknowledged throughout their time in a business, the chances of them making a purchase or taking advantage of a promotion is slim. Sales associates should actively pay attention to customers’ needs, asking them if they need help periodically.
Use programs to complete transactions, including returns
Sales associates are responsible for the customer experience from the moment they walk in the door to the checkout process. Using a cash register and computer programs to handle financial transactions occupies most of a salesperson’s time. This duty requires basic math, reading, and writing skills and an understanding of the company’s return and sales policy.
Help drive store sales
Continually increasing sales is the ultimate goal of a retail store. Sales associates should encourage customers to make purchases without being predatory or making them feel pressured. A sales associate can increase revenue by practicing active listening, assessing the customer’s needs, and making recommendations.
Explaining promotions to customers
Often, stores rely on promotions to help drive their sales. This could include a discount, credit card, or reward point system. Unlike getting customers to purchase items, selling promotions requires building a genuine relationship with a customer and being able to convince them the promotion is necessary and beneficial. Experience in sales and strong communication skills are helpful for this duty.
Related: Highest Paying Retail Jobs
Sales Associate Salary And Job Outlook
Median National Salary: $29,000
Education Required: High school diploma or GED
Number of Jobs: 4,125,700
Job Growth 2020 – 2030: 0%
The Bottom Line
Sales associates are the face of a business and are often the first person a customer interacts with. They help to increase sales by determining a customer’s needs, recommending products or promotions, and closing a sale.
Whether you’re hiring for this position or looking for a job as a sales associate, check out our list of the best free job posting sites for ideas. Post your Sales Associate job description on ZipRecruiter today!
