Retail Salespersons

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  Career Profile

Retail Salespersons

What they do

Sell merchandise, such as furniture, motor vehicles, appliances, or apparel to consumers.

Also Called: Car Salesman, Customer Assistant, Retail Salesperson, Sales Associate, Sales Clerk, Sales Consultant, Sales Person, Sales Representative, Salesman, Car Salesman, Customer Assistant, Retail Salesperson, Sales Associate, Sales Clerk, Sales Consultant, Sales Person, Sales Representative, Salesman

$23,740
Starting Salary (2023)
$33,680
Median Salary (2023)
-2.1%
Projected Job Growth
3,684,740
Employment (2022)

Typical Tasks

Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.
Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.
Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.

A day in the life

What kind of work is this?

Enterprising
Business based Work
Conventional
Organized, Procedural Work
Realistic
Practical, Physical Work

What personality traits do you need to succeed?

Dependability
Attention to Detail
Cooperation
Integrity
Self-Control
Adaptability/Flexibility

What key skills are needed for this job?

Persuasion
Speaking
Service Orientation
Active Listening
Social Perceptiveness
Negotiation

Expected Knowledge

Sales and Marketing
Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.

Common Activities

Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Selling or Influencing Others
Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

More Info

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