Example Sales Associate Job Description for 2022

Free sales associate job description. A retail sales associate (or sales associate) is a customer service professional who works within a retail store. They can also be found in food suppliers or other retail establishments assisting customers with questions about products and services. The retail associate acts as a retail salesperson, customer service representative, and assists with retail sales.

Other retail roles that are commonly found in a retail store are sales associate, merchandise sales associate, and sales floor associate. Other titles include store sales associate, sales associate cashier, and sales assistant. These roles are considered variations of the retail sales associate position in the retail industry.

What is a Retail Sales Associate?

A retail sales associate is a professional who assists customers with their product decisions. Common sales associate duties include explaining best products to customers, assisting with their product choices, welcoming customers to the store, and promoting special items.

The associate could be on their feet for extended periods, improving the retail experience.

Difference between a sales associate and cashier

In many cases, a retail sales associate is not checking customers out. They are not completing their product transactions. Rather, assisting with enriching the shopping experience of the customer, on the sales floor.

A retail sales associate usually directs a customer to the cashier counter when they're ready to complete their purchases.

Required Training, Certifications, and Education

Training

Most sales associates will receive on-the-job training. This includes a walkthrough of how the sales floor operates. And the general product suite. Extensive on-the-job training is commonly provided for this position.

Certifications

No certifications are required for this position. In most cases, some licenses are required for specialized roles.

Education

The following education requirements are suggested for a retail sales associate:

• High school degree/diploma, GED, or other.
• Knowledge of the retail products being sold.
• Strong comprehension of point-of-sale systems.
• A valid Class-A driver's license (optional).

Experience Requirements

A retail sales associate should have some background in a retail setting. This includes executing exceptional customer service, being comfortable in a fast-paced environment, processing customer refunds, operating cash registers, following sales principles, selling products, and assisting with financial transactions.

Retail Sales Associate Skills

The following key skills are required of a retail sales associate:

• Interpersonal skills.
• Customer service skills.
• Basic understanding of a point-of-sale system.
• Ability to process payments.
• Ability to maintain a professional appearance/positive attitude.

Average Salary of a Retail Sales Associate

The average salary of a sales associate is $11.30 per hour. Compensation could vary depending on experience, education, and other factors.

Retail Sales Associate Job Description Sample and Template

Below is a sample retail sales associate job description. Use this job description to write a job posting or job advertisement.

Job Brief/Job Summary

Our retail establishment is seeking a new or experienced sales associate who can assist with retail sales. The retail sales associate will own the sales floor. Working with a store manager and sales manager to develop product knowledge they can share with customers. By doing so, they will assist customers with their product and service choices. Our ideal candidate greets customers and feels compelled to achieve customer satisfaction while helping them choose merchandise that fits their needs. Sales associates require basic math skills, the ability to use a point of sale system, and previous experience in sales is preferred. Sales associates must meet our requirements and qualifications. And be knowledgeable about products and services.

Duties and Responsibilities

Below are sample sales associate responsibilities and job duties.

• Greet customers as they enter the store. Make sure guests have a pleasant experience.
• Ask questions to learn what the customer needs are of a retail customer.
• Set and meet sales goals with the sales manager.
• Operate the cash register.
• Help potential customers with their merchandise decisions.
• Learn industry insights and share this knowledge with customers.
• Work closely with each team member on the selling floor.
• Assist customers who approach you with customer service requests.
• Coordinate with other sales workers and each employee on the sales floor.
• Develop product knowledge by reading current vendor tags and pamphlets. Attend training classes to better communicate with customers.
• Assist with customer inquiries by phone. Forward calls to management staff.
• Assist with planning marketing activities, such as changing the store's design or sales floor layout.
• Perform regular sales tracking and related reporting.
• Perform daily department tasks like stocking, creating merchandising displays, tagging merchandising, and pricing markdowns.
• Work closely with staff. Including a consultant, coordinator, supervisor, director, or executive.
• Demonstrates that customers come first by serving them with a sense of urgency.
• Practice and embrace knowledge of customer and market dynamics.

Requirements

A qualified candidate should have the following:

• High School Diploma preferred.
• Bachelor's Degree in business administration, sales, or related field is a plus.
• Previous experience as a retail sales worker or sales associate position preferred.
• Must have strong sales associate skills, interpersonal skills, communication skills.
• Must enjoy greeting customers and delivering world-class customer service.
• Friendliness. Excellent customer service skills.
• Keen time management skills.
• Ability to handle money. Sometimes referred to as cash handling skills.
• Previous customer service experience is preferred. With capability of handling customer complaints.
• Show outstanding customer service at all times.

Fashion Sales Associate Duties and Responsibilities

• Assist customers with clothing choices.
• Find alternative sizes and colors in the warehouse for shoppers.
• Organize and set clothing in ideal settings for customers.
• Assist customers with clothing they no longer want to purchase.

Online Sales Associate Duties and Responsibilities

• Help answer customer questions related to products and services.
• Assist customers with their checkout process.
• Ensure customers are happy with their purchases or upcoming purchases.
• Assist customers with product ideas, service ideas, and understand what problem the customer is solving.

Job Resources

• Retail Dive the Online Publication
• Book: Retail 101: The Guide to Managing and Marketing Your Retail Business
• Book: Perfect Phrases for Customer Service: Second Edition