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What does a Bookseller do?

Photo of Brenna Goyette
Brenna Goyette
Certified Professional Resume Writer, Career Expert

Published 3 min read

A bookseller is someone who sells books.

Bookseller job duties include:

  • Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
  • Recommend, select, and locate merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
  • Answer questions regarding the store and its merchandise.
  • Assist customers in finding items, understanding product features, and making purchasing decisions.
  • Help customers complete payment transactions.
  • Stock shelves with merchandise.
  • Arrange for special orders and customer reservations.
  • Clean the sales floor and keep it organized.
  • Monitor inventory levels and reorder merchandise as necessary.

Bookseller Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for booksellers, although many have at least a high school diploma. Booksellers must be able to read and write English fluently, and should have excellent customer service skills. Many bookstores require booksellers to have some prior experience working in a retail environment. Booksellers must also be able to lift heavy boxes of books and stand for long periods of time.

Bookseller Skills

  • Passion for books
  • Great customer service skills
  • Organizational skills
  • Ability to multitask
  • Communication skills
  • Time management skills
  • Computer skills
  • Interpersonal skills
  • Problem-solving skills
  • Detail-oriented
  • Flexible

Related: Top Bookseller Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Bookseller

A bookseller is someone who sells books. There are many different types of booksellers, from those who sell new books to those who sell used books. There are also online booksellers. To become a bookseller, you will need to decide what type of bookseller you would like to be.

If you would like to sell new books, you will need to find a job at a bookstore. Many bookstores require their employees to have a college degree, but there are some that will hire people without a degree. You can also start your own bookstore. This is a more difficult option, but it is possible to do if you have the right business plan and the financial resources.

If you would like to sell used books, there are a few options available to you. You can open your own used bookstore, or you can sell books online. You can also find jobs at libraries or other places that sell used books.

There are also many online booksellers. To become an online bookseller, you will need to set up an account with an online marketplace such as Amazon or eBay. Once you have set up your account, you will need to list the books that you want to sell. When someone buys one of your books, you will ship it to them and receive payment through the marketplace.

Becoming a bookseller is a great way to make money if you love books. It is important to do your research and choose the option that is best for you. With hard work and dedication, anyone can become a successful bookseller.

Related: Bookseller Resume Example

Related: Bookseller Interview Questions (With Example Answers)

Editorial staff

Photo of Brenna Goyette, Editor

Editor

Brenna Goyette

Expert Verified

Brenna is a certified professional resume writer, career expert, and the content manager of the ResumeCat team. She has a background in corporate recruiting and human resources and has been writing resumes for over 10 years. Brenna has experience in recruiting for tech, finance, and marketing roles and has a passion for helping people find their dream jobs. She creates expert resources to help job seekers write the best resumes and cover letters, land the job, and succeed in the workplace.

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