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Sales Assistant

Sales assistants sell goods to customers in retail and wholesale establishments.

Some sales assistants work on a commission basis, which means that they are paid for each product, or number of products, that they sell.

Sales assistants are on their feet most of the day attending to customers, finalising sales and tidying display units.

They may work long hours and be required to work at night and on weekends.

Managers establish a roster to determine work hours for staff.

In most workplaces you will need to use computer systems for sales or payment processing.

TASKS

Sales assistants may perform the following tasks:

advise customers on the location, selection, price, delivery, use and care of goods available from the store, with the aim of encouraging them to buy and to return to buy in the future
operate cash registers and accept payment, or prepare finance arrangements (invoices and contracts, for example)
take special orders for items not currently in stock, or not normally stocked, and notify customers when the items have arrived
package goods for customers and arrange delivery
price, stack and display items for sale and keep the store tidy and attractive
be aware of health, safety and welfare issues and practices
participate in stocktaking (counting and describing the goods in stock)
arrange for the repair of damaged goods or advise on necessary repairs
order items

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

enjoy working with people
a helpful, courteous manner
neat personal appearance
good communication skills
able to deal accurately with money
motivation and drive
no skin disorders if working with food
good problem-solving skills
willing to work as part of a team

Very Good Outlook for this career!

Interest Area

SPECIALISATIONS

Car Salesperson - sells new or used cars in showrooms or car yards. They may demonstrate to customers how a car operates and take customers for short test-drives. They may arrange vehicle trade-ins, prepare paperwork for sales and arrange finance and insurance. They should know the special features of vehicles they are selling and be able to compare various makes of cars. Car salespeople generally start as cadets, or junior salespeople, and need to have a suitable drivers licence.

Computer Salesperson - propose computer hardware or software systems to meet the current and future needs of the customer. This may include organising demonstrations. When a sale has been made, computer salespeople arrange delivery and may organise installation of the unit and training of operators.

Cosmetic Consultant - advises on, and demonstrates, the correct use of cosmetics. They classify skin types (normal, dry or oily), taking into account a customer's age, facial structure and colouring. They recommend particular products including medicated make-up and methods of applying cosmetics to enhance the customer's appearance. Cosmetic consultants with strong creative abilities may work for theatrical companies, TV studios or fashion magazines.

Delicatessen Assistant - sells foods such as sausages, smoked meats, salads, cheese, fish, olives and other specialist lines. They arrange products in attractive displays and may make and sell lunches. Delicatessen assistants may work in small shops or large supermarkets with delicatessen sections.

Electrical Goods Sales Assistant - sells household products and electrical equipment such as fans, heaters, food mixers, sewing machines, radios, televisions, sound systems and video recorders. They must have sound knowledge of the products they sell. They advise customers about features such as controls, wattage and power, as well as demonstrate and compare products.

Fashion Sales Assistant - sells clothes and other fashion items in department stores, fashion boutiques and retail warehouses. They may advise customers about fashion trends, suitable styles and colours and assist with store displays.

Fast Food Sales Assistant - works in large or small outlets preparing and selling food, drinks and other products. They may prepare food for cooking, chop, cut or slice fillings, and prepare salads. In fast food chain stores, sales assistants may work at the counter or in the kitchen. Where dining areas are provided, they may also clear tables, wash utensils and clean floors and windows.

Hardware Sales Assistant - works in retail businesses that supply and sell a range of hardware goods such as lengths of timber, paint, brushes, hand tools, screws, nails, tap washers and other general house maintenance requirements. They may have to demonstrate tools and explain how products work.

Seafood Sales Assistant - cleans and prepares fish and other seafood for sale in a shop or fish market. They serve customers and provide advice about the available seafood and on ways to cook and prepare it.

Shelf Filler (Night) - works in retail stores and is responsible for ensuring that shelves and product displays remain stocked. Shelf fillers rotate stock on the shelves, ensuring that products with earlier use-by dates are at the front and removing those that have passed this date. Many shelf fillers work after hours, tidying the store and ensuring that shelves are fully stocked for when the store reopens in the morning.

Retail Manager - plans and coordinates the operations of retail outlets. They manage staff, respond to customer complaints, control the level, price and presentation of stock, monitor finances and budgets and oversee security systems.

Newsagent - owns and runs a store selling newspapers, magazines and other items such as greeting cards, stationery, books, toys and confectionery. They may also sell lottery tickets, telecommunication products, coupons and Australia Post products.

EDUCATION & TRAINING

You can work as a sales assistant without formal qualifications. You will probably get some informal training on the job.

You can also become a sales assistant through a traineeship in Retail Services, Retail Operations or Automotive Sales.

Entry requirements may vary, but employers generally require Year 10.

Additional Information

Once you are employed, you may be able to develop, and have recognised, additional skills under the Retail Services or Automotive Industry Retail, Service and Repair Training Packages that will expand your career opportunities within these industries.