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.

Specialisations

Car Salesperson
Computer Salesperson
Cosmetic Consultant
Delicatessen Assistant
Electrical Goods Sales Assistant
Fashion Sales Assistant
Fast Food Sales Assistant
Hardware Sales Assistant
Pharmacy Sales Assistant
Seafood Sales Assistant

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.

Case Study

A Passion For Fashion
Talking Tourism

Related Industries

Motor Vehicle and Motor Vehicle Parts Retailing
Other Store-Based Retailing
Fuel Retailing

Labour Market

Information

Australian JobOutlook for Sales Assistants (General)

Vacancies

Australian JobSearch for Sales Assistants (ALL AUSTRALIA)
Work Opportunities websites

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