What is a sales associates job?

Answer 1

Purpose of Classification:

Performs activities associated with selling, stocking and ordering merchandise in a retail or sales operation. Incumbents in this classification may be assigned to one or more specific merchandise areas within an operation and work within established guidelines in performing tasks. Difficult or unusual problems are typically referred to supervisor.

Distinguishing Characteristics:

This is first in a series of three classifications. It is distinguished from the Sales Assistant Senior in that thesenior level typically has leadership responsibilities, requires specialized knowledge in a particular area and/or performs a wider variety of functions.

Examples of Duties:

• Assists customers in locating merchandise and answering a variety of questions concerning general merchandise; demonstrates use of merchandise upon request.
• Stocks shelves, counters or tables with merchandise; keeps merchandise orderly and neat in appearance.
• Totals prices and tax on merchandise selected by customer using paper and pencil, cash register or adding machine; accepts payment following established procedures for different types of transactions; makes change; issues sales receipt; calculates discounts when appropriate.
• Counts and balances cash register and receipts.
• Stamps or attaches price tags on merchandise and/or checks tagged prices to verify accuracy referring to price list.
• Fills out specific forms to process transactions or special orders such as refunds, jewelry, graduation gowns or requisitions for university departments, among others.
• Checks inventory periodically to obtain reorder information to replenish stock; informs designated staff member of needs or places orders with outside sales representative within established limits.
• Checks inventory listing with actual inventory on shelf and reports discrepancies to supervisor.
• Sets up promotional displays; makes signs or arranges merchandise on counters or tables to promote sales.
• Trains new sales staff in basic operations and procedures.
• Cleans shelves, counters or tables.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Knowledge of basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of cataloging and inventory techniques.
• Skill in meeting and dealing with the public and customer service techniques.

Minimum Qualifications:

Six months' experience in sales and stocking merchandise; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved.