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Occupation Details

Sales Assistant



Fact Sheet

Assisting a customer to ensure a correctly fitted shoe is purchased

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

Duties and 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 (e.g. invoices and contracts)
  • 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 needed repairs
  • order items

Quick Facts

School subjects that include some aspect of ECONOMICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases an economics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of HOME ECONOMICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a home economics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of LANGUAGE provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a language-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
School subjects that include some aspect of MATHEMATICS provide a useful background to these jobs. In some cases a mathematics-related subject is a pre-requisite for entry to courses that provide the training for the job.
Workers performing these jobs would usually be expected to spend more than three-quarters of their day indoors, in an office, factory or other enclosed area protected from the weather. Jobs requiring mainly indoor work are excluded.
These jobs require moderate or better reading and writing skills. Workers may be expected to prepare, understand or act on written materials, such as letters or reports. People may wish to avoid these jobs if their reading or writing English skills are limited to a small range of words or phrases and symbols. Jobs remaining may still require very basic reading or writing skills.
Included are jobs in accounting, administration, advertising, banking, distribution, economics, finance, marketing, personnel management, policy advice, public relations, real estate, sales and valuation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH DATA to order, process or retrieve facts and figures, or to develop or administer policies and procedures. Activities include organising, using or updating information, such as files or accounts, developing or following procedures or systems, and the planning, budgeting, and staffing of an organisation.
These jobs involve WORKING WITH PEOPLE, to sell to, influence, motivate, negotiate with, or serve them. Activities include selling, promoting or providing goods or services, bargaining, or presenting a point of view.
These jobs generally require no specific education for entry. Practical skills are often more important than level of education. Certificate I or II training is available for some jobs.
These jobs do not usually require completion of secondary education, however further part-time study such as a Certificate III or IV, and on-the-job training, may be required.

Work Conditions

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.

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
  • willing to work as part of a team

Labour Market Information

Australian JobOutlook for Sales Assistants

See State Specific Information below for further education and training options.

Assisting a customer with selecting the right shoe

Occupation Video - Sales Assistant