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What does a Retail Salesperson do?

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

Published 4 min read

A retail salesperson is responsible for selling products and services to customers. They must be able to effectively communicate with customers and provide them with information about the products and services being offered. Retail salespeople must be able to close sales and meet quotas.

Retail Salesperson job duties include:

  • Greeting customers as they enter the store
  • Answering questions about products and services
  • Helping customers find the products they are looking for
  • Providing product information and recommendations
  • Processing customer transactions
  • Maintaining store shelves and displays
  • Keeping the sales floor clean and organized
  • Restocking merchandise as needed
  • Assisting with store opening and closing duties

Retail Salesperson Job Requirements

There are no formal education requirements for retail salespeople, although some employers may prefer applicants with a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers provide on-the-job training, which can last from a few days to several months. Some larger retailers and specialty stores offer formal training programs. There are no certification or licensure requirements for retail salespeople. However, some employers may require completion of a sales training program. Previous experience in customer service or other sales-related occupations may be helpful.

Retail Salesperson Skills

  • Communication
  • Listening
  • Customer service
  • Selling
  • Closing skills
  • Product knowledge
  • Persuasion
  • Negotiation
  • Motivation
  • Goal Oriented
  • Prospecting
  • Building Relationships

Related: Top Retail Salesperson Skills: Definition and Examples

How to become a Retail Salesperson

A retail salesperson is responsible for selling products to customers in a retail setting. They must be able to effectively communicate with customers, identify their needs and recommend the best products to meet those needs. Retail salespeople must also be able to provide excellent customer service, handle customer complaints and process sales transactions quickly and efficiently.

If you are interested in becoming a retail salesperson, there are a few things you will need to do. First, you will need to obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers prefer candidates who have some post-secondary education, so consider taking some college courses or completing a training program at a trade school.

Next, you will need to gain some experience working in a retail setting. This can be done through internships, part-time jobs or even volunteering. Any experience you have working with the public will be helpful.

Once you have the necessary education and experience, you will need to apply for open retail sales positions. When applying for jobs, be sure to highlight your customer service and communication skills. If you have any previous sales experience, be sure to mention that as well.

Once you have been hired for a retail sales position, it is important to always provide excellent customer service. Be friendly and helpful when assisting customers and take the time to listen to their needs. Be patient when handling customer complaints and always stay professional. Remember, providing excellent customer service is essential to keeping customers coming back – and making sales!

Related: Retail Salesperson Resume Example

Related: Retail Salesperson 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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