When it comes to the retail industry, it is made up of different products and companies with the retail sales associate spearheading the business. The position of a retail sales associate is one that entails selling or renting of the services or products on behalf of a company. People in this profession are often busy throughout the week with many duties to attend to. Some of these duties include excellent customer service, which includes greeting the client, helping them with the product or service selection, making use of sales techniques, maintenance of the merchandise and even handling the financial transactions sometimes.

Part 1: What Does a Sales Associate Need to Do?

These are specific duties and responsibilities required for a sale associate:

  • Acknowledging and greeting clients who are not further than 10 foot radius or greeting them within the first ten seconds of arriving at the premise.

  • Engaging the client in a conversation in an effort to determine their needs.

  • Providing the client with product knowledge by letting them know of the features, benefits and value of the products.

  • Try to suggestively sell extra products that the client may need but do not anticipate on buying.

  • Handle complaints or any returns with patience and effectiveness.

  • Work with other associates to determine and achieve sales plan and also striving to achieve personal sales plan.

  • Take part in in all procedures and programs that are meant to drive sales actively.

  • Treat other associates, vendors and clients better than expected.

  • Handle all register transactions correctly.

  • Maintain the neatness of the store and keep it clean and organized at all times.

  • Promptly receive and display product deliveries on the shelves within a day of delivery.

  • Know where all products are displayed within the store.

  • Work with other associates to ensure asset protection standards are always met.

  • Take part in store opening and closing duties with the other associates.

  • Answer the telephone promptly.

  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Part 2: What Is the Salary of a Sales Associate?

1

Sales associate on an hourly basis

Most retail stores refer to their employees as sales associates. For anyone working in a convenience store, fast food restaurant or grocery store, they can expect to be paid on an hourly basis. The hourly wage is slightly above minimum wage.  The amount paid depends on the location of the store. The median wage for hourly basis can range from $8.00 to $13.50 per hour.

2

Sales associates on commissioned jobs

There are some sales jobs that only get a base salary and everything else made by the sales associate is purely from commissions. This commission is calculated as a percentage of the sales made. At times, the commission percentage can depend on an item sold. Also, there are other sales associated in this category that do not get a base salary and thus all the money they make entirely depends on the sales they make. The commission percentage can range from 7% to 10% of all sales made.

3

Sales associates on salaried jobs

These are simply sales jobs where the associate earns a monthly income. Sales jobs that entail the selling of higher ticket items are included in this category. Some of these jobs include the sales of yachts, cars or machinery. Salaried sales jobs come with a salary that ranges between $30,000 and $40,000.  Moreover, these jobs come with a commission for each sale. There is also room for growth in this job since the pay scale and level of employment can be upgraded with time and experience.

4

Sales associates on commissioned jobs

There are some sales jobs that only get a base salary and everything else made by the sales associate is purely from commissions. This commission is calculated as a percentage of the sales made. At times, the commission percentage can depend on an item sold. Also, there are other sales associated in this category that do not get a base salary and thus all the money they make entirely depends on the sales they make. The commission percentage can range from 7% to 10% of all sales made.

5

Other benefits enjoyed by sales associates

In addition to the payment, sometimes sales associates enjoy other perks. The most common one is discounts on merchandise or services, which can range between 15% and 25% off. Other times, sales associates can be entitled to benefits like health insurance cover and even paid vacations.

Part 3: Sales Associate Requirement and Career Path

1

Requirements

Minimum training and experience include:

  • A high school diploma and at least prior sales experience are required.

  • Excellent communication skills.

  • Ability to work for a standard workday as set by West Marine.

  • Ability to lift at least 40 pounds to shoulder height without assistance.

  • Proficiency in English and math.

  • Ability to wear and use a headset to communicate.

  • Maintain a flexible schedule with the ability to work evening and weekend shifts, and sometimes holiday shifts.

2

Career Path

From a sales associate one can become:

An administrative assistance where they can become:

  • Administrative assistants

  • Customer service representative (CSR)

  • Retail store manager

  • Retail store assistant manager

  • Retails sales associate

These positions can further open more opportunities to become:

  • Administrative office manager

  • Office manager

  • Customer service manager

  • Human resource generalist

  • Operations manager

  • Registered nurse (RN)

  • Medical assistant

  • Certified nurse assistant (CAN)

  • Department manager, retail store

It is important to plan the career path you are interested in following. This way, you can be sure that you will reach your long term goals career wise.

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