Retail salespersonsWhether selling shoes, computer equipment, or automobiles, retail salespersons assist customers in finding what they are looking for and try to interest them in buying the merchandise. They describe a product�s features, demonstrate its use, or show various models and colors. For some sales jobs, particularly those involving expensive and complex items, retail salespersons need special knowledge or skills. For example, salespersons who sell automobiles must be able to explain the features of various models, information about warranties, the meaning of manufacturers� specifications, and the types of options and financing available. Consumers spend millions of dollars every day on merchandise and often form their impression of a store by evaluating its sales force. Therefore, retailers stress the importance of providing courteous and efficient service in order to remain competitive. When, for example, a customer wants an item that is not on the sales floor, the salesperson may check the stock room, place a special order, or call another store to locate the item. In addition to selling, most retail salespersons—especially those who work in department and apparel stores—make out sales checks; receive cash, checks, and charge payments; bag or package purchases; and give out change and receipts. Depending on the hours they work, retail salespersons may have to open or close cash registers. This work may include counting the money in the register; separating charge slips, coupons, and exchange vouchers; and making deposits at the cash office. Salespersons often are held responsible for the contents of their registers, and repeated shortages are cause for dismissal in many organizations. (Cashiers, who have similar job duties, are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.) Salespersons also may handle returns and exchanges of merchandise, wrap gifts, and keep their work areas neat. In addition, they may help stock shelves or racks, arrange for mailing or delivery of purchases, mark price tags, take inventory, and prepare displays. Frequently, salespersons must be aware of special sales and promotions. They also must recognize security risks and thefts and know how to handle or prevent such situations. Related news articles Unemployed workers find relief, and new jobs, by retraining - Oct 5, 2006 IdahoStatesman.com,But 69 percent of the top 10 jobs — 7,010 positions — identified by the state will be for low-paying positions, including retail salesperson, cashier, food ... A tax break for Tar Heels who need it most - Oct 4, 2006 News & Observer,...example), most expanding occupations available to workers without advanced education are primarily low-wage, service sector jobs such as a retail salesperson. ... Ikea touts long warranty, shorter replacement cycle - Sep 25, 2006 Furniture Today (subscription),I do like how Ikea notes the difference between warranty length and the useful life of a mattress. Every retail salesperson can learn something here. ... Worldwide EIM Packaged Software Market to Grow 30% - Sep 27, 2006 Xtvworld (press release),Industry - an increased need for EIM solutions due to complex supply chains, a large number of transactions and the growing number of retail salesperson jobs. . ... Critic's TV picks for Thursday: 'Survivor: Cook Islands' - Sep 13, 2006 St. Louis Post-Dispatch,Bunch, 45, a jazz musician from Los Angeles; Stephannie Favor, 35, a nursing student from Columbia, SC; Nathan Gonzalez, 26, a retail salesperson from Los ... More information on Retail salespersons from The U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook Overview of Retail salespersons occupation Number of Retail salespersons in the U.S. Salary and earnings for Retail salespersons Working conditions for Retail salespersons Significant points for Retail salespersons Training requirements for Retail salespersons Labor Information Home | Occupational data by city | Search Rainforests | Madagascar | What's new |