Some of the tasks of a sales assistant include: welcoming customers: your primary role is to ensure customers have the best shopping experience at the shop. Hence, you greet them and find out what they are looking for. You assist them with shopping requirements and give suggestions or recommendations based on their tastes and preferences. illustrating products to customers: your job is to increase the sale of products. Hence, you encourage customers to purchase the products by presenting features and explaining the specifications. It is also important to inform customers of available discounts, special offers or promotions. operating the cash register: you record customers' transactions and ensure they make the correct payments. Operating the cash register also involves taking payments from customers for goods and services and issuing receipts. Some sales assistants package the items to help the customers carry merchandise to their cars. handling customer complaints: it is important to keep the customer satisfied and happy and handle their complaints effectively. You also pass along feedback from consumers to the production team. organising and restocking shelves: as a sales assistant, you ensure the store is adequately stocked every morning. You organise the shelves to create attractive displays and assist with store promotions. helping with stock management: your role involves assisting the store manager with inventory management by taking stock of the goods. You should inform the procurement team of the items required.

Sales assistants usually work indoors, although some work outside if their store has an outdoor section. You are mostlikely to spend your entire shift on your feet, even if you work behind a desk or cash register. Since sales assistants interact directly with customers, they usually don't work in a cubicle or office setting. Additionally, sales assistant jobs don't require travel except for training. Most jobs offer online and in-person training to get you started. The work environments vary from mass merchandisers and supermarket chains to small boutiques and convenience stores. However, sales assistants usually work in well-lit buildings with air conditioning and easily accessible restrooms. You should wear safety gear if you work in a store with loud or dangerous equipment.

who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include sales representatives , store managers, administration assistants , office managers , and mining marketing managers. You might also be working in close proximity to product managers and field sales agents, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, sales associates, marketing executives and sales managers.

Sales assistant jobs offer full-time and part-time opportunities. Suppose you take an entry-level position in a retail store. In that case, you typically start with a part-time job and gradually advance to full-time. Part-time positions offer up to 39 hours, depending on the week. Some companies give you a certain number of hours every week. Full-time jobs offer 40 hours a week with the possibility of overtime. You may find a job with a regular 9-to-5 shift, but sales assistants often take on late-night or early-morning hours. It also requires you to keep your off-work schedule flexible because sometimes you work holidays and weekends. Your store may offer an overnight shift that involves stocking shelves or interacting with customers who come in at odd hours. Part-time workers often get rotating shifts that switch between mornings, afternoons, evenings and nights. Overnight shifts are likely if your store is open 24 hours a day.

A sales assistant is an entry-level role with exciting growth opportunities. You can progress in the sales roles and take up other positions like sales executive or representative. With extensive experience, you can become a sales or store manager. Some sales assistants specialise in inventory management and become inventory specialists or procurement managers.

advantages of finding a sales assistant job through randstad

Finding your sales assistant job through Randstad provides essential benefit such as: a wide variety of training and development opportunities an experienced contact person to provide help if needed a range of opportunities in your area get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job temporary and permanent contracts Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a sales assistant is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

what do you do as a sales assistant?

As a sales assistant, you help customers throughout your shift. This includes answering their questions, talking on the phone and helping them find what they ask. You also complete other tasks like straightening the shelves and cleaning your department.

what skills do sales assistants need?

The best sales assistants are cheerful and friendly. They don't take it personally when a customer complains, but rather do everything they can to fix the issue. You don't necessarily need prior experience, but it helps if you know how to deal with people. Other skills include juggling multiple tasks and staying on your feet for long periods.

how do you describe a sales assistant?

A sales assistant interacts directly with customers on the sales floor. Customers rely on sales assistants to answer their questions and help them find what they need. The sales assistant's job is to be friendly, helpful and welcoming to customers.

is a sales assistant role a good job?

A sales assistant job is a good position with decent job security. Full-time sales assistants get 40 hours weekly, plus bonuses, sick days and annual leave days. Most major retailers and some small businesses need sales assistants to represent them and help their customers on the floor.

how do you become a sales assistant?

You don't need educational qualifications to become a sales assistant, but prior experience in sales and customer services improves your employment prospects. Also, consider getting a Certificate in retail sales to improve your skills.

how do I apply for a sales assistant vacancy?

Applying for a sales assistant job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our sales job offers . Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

sales assistant

what is a sales assistant?

As a sales assistant, you are a junior-level worker in the sales team. Hence, you support the work of other sales members by offering administrative support. You play a vital role in a store or retail outlet by welcoming customers and selling products. You aim to ensure customers have the best shopping experience by assisting them with their shopping requirements.

Sale assistants have detailed knowledge of the merchandise in a store and direct customers to the specific location on the retail floor. For instance, in a clothing store, you advise customers on the colours, styles and sizes. You suggest other items in line with the customers' tastes and preferences. A sales assistant needs knowledge of the latest technology in an electronic store. It helps you illustrate the product features and technical specifications.

Aside from assisting customers, a sales assistant helps run the store by retrieving merchandise from stock rooms, arranging shelves and attaching security tags. Sometimes, you also operate the cash register, handle customer complaints and take stock.

Sales assistants work in various retail outlets in different industries, from groceries stores and supermarkets to pharmaceuticals. You may sell products like clothes, furniture, household items, electronics and medicines. Some sales assistants work for raw materials suppliers like mining industries that supply stones to jewellery stores.

sales jobs available

1

average sales assistant salary

A sales assistant earns a median salary of $44,000 annually. Experienced professionals take home over $58,000 yearly. Some employers pay hourly wages for entry-level sales assistants. Hence, the income depends on the shifts covered.

Some sales assistant jobs are commission-based, depending on the amount and value of sales. That means you receive a percentage of the sales or profits based on the company policy. Aside from commissions, other employers incentivise their workers with bonuses.

what factors affect the salary of a sales assistant?

Sale assistant salaries usually vary based on qualifications and work experience. While employers don't expect sales assistants to have formal education, acquiring some certifications through vocational training improves your remuneration. The courses strengthen your competitiveness in the market. Aside from using academic qualifications to negotiate higher pay, sales assistants can use job experience to improve their salary prospects. When you have a few years of experience, the hands-on skills you bring to the table increase your earning potential.

2

types of sales assistants

Some of the areas of specialisation for sales assistants include:

shelf filler: as a sales assistant, you may work in retail stores as a shelf filler responsible for stocking shelves and organising product displays. You rotate the stock on shelves to ensure those with earlier use-by dates are in front and remove expired products. You also tidy up the shelves to ensure the displays are attractive.
car salesperson: as a car sales assistant, you assist with selling new or used cars by demonstrating how they operate and taking customers for test drives. You are likely to work in car yards and showrooms, assisting people with the paperwork involved in purchasing a car.
computer sales assistant: as a sales assistant, you propose the best computer software or hardware that matches your customers' needs. The role requires in-depth knowledge of computer systems since you demonstrate the functions of the hardware and organise installation after the sale.
fashion sale assistant: as a sales assistant, you may sell fashion items like clothes and jewellery at a fashion boutique or department store within a concession. You advise customers onstyling an outfit for a specific event tailored to their personality and fit. You also have the opportunity in this environment to upsell a full outfit to maximise your KPI performance.

male and female sitting at table having a chat, while female working on a tablet.

3

working as a sales assistant

When you are a sales assistant, it is important to have good product knowledge and to be friendly and approachable to build a rapport with customers and boost sales. Here are the specific roles and work schedules of sales assistants:

job description
Some of the tasks of a sales assistant include:
- welcoming customers: your primary role is to ensure customers have the best shopping experience at the shop. Hence, you greet them and find out what they are looking for. You assist them with shopping requirements and give suggestions or recommendations based on their tastes and preferences.
- illustrating products to customers: your job is to increase the sale of products. Hence, you encourage customers to purchase the products by presenting features and explaining the specifications. It is also important to inform customers of available discounts, special offers or promotions.
- operating the cash register: you record customers' transactions and ensure they make the correct payments. Operating the cash register also involves taking payments from customers for goods and services and issuing receipts. Some sales assistants package the items to help the customers carry merchandise to their cars.
- handling customer complaints: it is important to keep the customer satisfied and happy and handle their complaints effectively. You also pass along feedback from consumers to the production team.
- organising and restocking shelves: as a sales assistant, you ensure the store is adequately stocked every morning. You organise the shelves to create attractive displays and assist with store promotions.
- helping with stock management: your role involves assisting the store manager with inventory management by taking stock of the goods. You should inform the procurement team of the items required.
work environment

Sales assistants usually work indoors, although some work outside if their store has an outdoor section. You are mostlikely to spend your entire shift on your feet, even if you work behind a desk or cash register. Since sales assistants interact directly with customers, they usually don't work in a cubicle or office setting. Additionally, sales assistant jobs don't require travel except for training. Most jobs offer online and in-person training to get you started. The work environments vary from mass merchandisers and supermarket chains to small boutiques and convenience stores. However, sales assistants usually work in well-lit buildings with air conditioning and easily accessible restrooms. You should wear safety gear if you work in a store with loud or dangerous equipment.
who are your colleagues?

Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues might include sales representatives, store managers, administration assistants, office managers, and mining marketing managers. You might also be working in close proximity to product managers and field sales agents, as well as other specialists that could include, but not be limited to, sales associates, marketing executives and sales managers.
work schedule

Sales assistant jobs offer full-time and part-time opportunities. Suppose you take an entry-level position in a retail store. In that case, you typically start with a part-time job and gradually advance to full-time. Part-time positions offer up to 39 hours, depending on the week. Some companies give you a certain number of hours every week. Full-time jobs offer 40 hours a week with the possibility of overtime.

You may find a job with a regular 9-to-5 shift, but sales assistants often take on late-night or early-morning hours. It also requires you to keep your off-work schedule flexible because sometimes you work holidays and weekends. Your store may offer an overnight shift that involves stocking shelves or interacting with customers who come in at odd hours. Part-time workers often get rotating shifts that switch between mornings, afternoons, evenings and nights. Overnight shifts are likely if your store is open 24 hours a day.
job outlook

A sales assistant is an entry-level role with exciting growth opportunities. You can progress in the sales roles and take up other positions like sales executive or representative. With extensive experience, you can become a sales or store manager. Some sales assistants specialise in inventory management and become inventory specialists or procurement managers.
advantages of finding a sales assistant job through randstad
Finding your sales assistant job through Randstad provides essential benefit such as:
- a wide variety of training and development opportunities
- an experienced contact person to provide help if needed
- a range of opportunities in your area
- get paid weekly or monthly, depending on the job
- temporary and permanent contracts
Want a permanent contract? A temporary job as a sales assistant is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers every year thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too.

4

education and skills

Some of the academic qualifications of a sales assistant include:

education: there is no specific secondary education required to become a sales assistant, but English and Maths at NCEA Level 1 are useful. Alternatively, develop a career in the retail sector through certifications in retail services from polytechnic institutions to learn about merchandising and customer service.
work experience: employers prefer sales assistants with experience in customer service or sales. You can gain experience through volunteering and other entry-level sales jobs that build your merchandising skills.

sales assistant skills and competencies

Some of the qualities of a sales assistant include:

clerical skills: as a sales assistant, your role involves operating the cash register, printing receipts and filing bank records. Clerical skills and computer literacy help you operate point-of-sale systems and inventory software.
persuasiveness: a sales assistant requires the ability to persuade a customer. Persuasiveness enables you to convince customers that a specific product solves their problems.
communication skills: a good sales assistant speaks clearly to customers and has great listening skills. Communication skills help you build a rapport with customers and push sales. You interact with customers from various backgrounds, and it is crucial to communicate clearly.
physical stamina: as a sales assistant, you are expected to work on your feet during your shift. Sometimes, you carry heavy boxes from the storerooms to display areas or climb ladders when stocking high shelves. This requires you to be physically fit.

5

FAQs about working as a sales assistant

Here are the most asked questions about working as a sales assistant:

what do you do as a sales assistant?

As a sales assistant, you help customers throughout your shift. This includes answering their questions, talking on the phone and helping them find what they ask. You also complete other tasks like straightening the shelves and cleaning your department.
what skills do sales assistants need?

The best sales assistants are cheerful and friendly. They don't take it personally when a customer complains, but rather do everything they can to fix the issue. You don't necessarily need prior experience, but it helps if you know how to deal with people. Other skills include juggling multiple tasks and staying on your feet for long periods.
how do you describe a sales assistant?

A sales assistant interacts directly with customers on the sales floor. Customers rely on sales assistants to answer their questions and help them find what they need. The sales assistant's job is to be friendly, helpful and welcoming to customers.
is a sales assistant role a good job?

A sales assistant job is a good position with decent job security. Full-time sales assistants get 40 hours weekly, plus bonuses, sick days and annual leave days. Most major retailers and some small businesses need sales assistants to represent them and help their customers on the floor.
how do you become a sales assistant?

You don't need educational qualifications to become a sales assistant, but prior experience in sales and customer services improves your employment prospects. Also, consider getting a Certificate in retail sales to improve your skills.
how do I apply for a sales assistant vacancy?

Applying for a sales assistant job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our sales job offers. Then simply send us your CV and cover letter. Need help with your application? Check out all our job search tips here.

sales assistant.