Whether they sell computers, food, furniture, or clothing, retail sales workers' main objective is to convince the customer to purchase their merchandise. They accomplish this by showing how the product works, how it is made, and by making customers aware of the variety of options they have. Retail sales workers who sell more complex products such as computers and software must have special skills and knowledge so that they can answer customers' questions in a clear, helpful manner.
Retail sales workers also make out sales checks; receive payment by cash, check, or charge; and give change and receipts. They are often responsible for the contents of their cash register, and, depending on when they are scheduled to work, they may have to count the money in the cash drawer and separate it from charge slips, coupons, and exchange vouchers. They may have to deposit the money with the cash office.
Retail sales workers must know store procedures on returns and exchanges. They also have to be knowledgeable of the store's security practices.
Some retail stores offer customer services such as gift wrapping; sales workers provide these services. During slow periods, retail sales workers may have to stock shelves or racks, arrange displays, take inventory, or price items.
Places of Employment and Working Conditions
Every town and city has retail stores; jobs are distributed in much the same way as the population.
Most retail sales jobs are part-time, but employees often are scheduled to work during the evening and on weekends. During the Christmas season, hours are usually longer and vacation time is restricted.
Qualifications, Education, and Training
Retail sales workers must be friendly and courteous, have a neat appearance, be able to communicate well, and enjoy working with people.
There are no formal education requirements for retail sales workers. In small stores, an experienced worker or the manager or owner trains new employees in the store's sales procedures. Large stores often have a formal training program for beginners. Trainees are taught how to perform cash, check, and credit transactions as well as procedures for returns and special orders.
Some workers may be given specialized training if they are selling certain types of products. For example, workers selling appliances may be given instruction on the types of products available and the differences between them.
Potential and Advancement
The opportunities for retail sales workers are expected to be good through the years to come. There is very high turnover in this field, and retail sales are expected to grow.
Adverse economic conditions slow sales and reduce the demand for sales workers. However, because the turnover rate is so high, layoffs are unlikely.
As employees gain experience and achieve sales success, they are often moved into positions with higher potential for earnings. Even though a college education is becoming increasingly important for obtaining managerial or administrative positions, capable workers are still often promoted to these jobs. In small stores, promotion opportunities are limited.
Overall, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the field will grow by 7 percent between 2014 and 2024.
Income
Earnings for retail sales workers vary depending on the type of product they sell. Beginners are usually paid minimum wage.
Some sales workers are paid salary plus commission, and others are paid either by salary or by commission.
The median annual salary for retail sales workers in 2015 was $22,040, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
