What does a Sales Clerk do?
Published 3 min read
A sales clerk is responsible for helping customers find the products they need, taking payments, and keeping the sales floor clean and organized.
Sales Clerk job duties include:
- Greet customers and ascertain what each customer wants or needs.
- Recommend, select, and help locate or obtain merchandise based on customer needs and desires.
- Describe merchandise and explain use, operation, and care of merchandise to customers.
- Compute sales prices, total purchases and receive and process cash or credit payment.
- Maintain knowledge of current sales and promotions, policies regarding payment and exchanges, and security practices.
- Watch for and recognize security risks and thefts, and know how to prevent or handle these situations.
- Answer customers' questions, and provide information on procedures or policies.
- Arrange merchandise on shelves or counters in a pleasing manner.
- Stock shelves with new merchandise.
Sales Clerk Job Requirements
Most employers prefer to hire high school graduates for sales clerk positions. However, some jobs may require postsecondary education, and many employers provide on-the-job training. Although certification is not typically required, completing a voluntary professional certification program can demonstrate job applicants' commitment to the profession and improve their chances of being hired. Sales clerks typically need at least a few months of experience working in retail before they are able to effectively perform all the duties of the job.
Sales Clerk Skills
- Communication
- Organization
- Customer service
- Interpersonal skills
- Product knowledge
- Selling skills
- Computer skills
- Cash register operation
- Inventory management
- Merchandising
- Marketing
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How to become a Sales Clerk
Sales clerks are responsible for handling customer transactions in a retail setting. They must be able to operate a cash register, process credit and debit card payments, and handle returns and exchanges. Strong customer service skills are essential, as sales clerks are often the first point of contact with customers.
To become a sales clerk, you will need to have a high school diploma or equivalent. Many employers will also require you to complete on-the-job training. Once you have the necessary education and training, you will be well on your way to starting a career as a sales clerk.
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