What does a Sales Assistant do?
Within the sales team, Sales Assistants are usually the primary sales contacts for customers shopping in person. As a result, they are directly responsible for helping stores achieve their sales goals. They also contribute to the customer experience by providing customer service. In this way, they contribute to customer satisfaction rates and help foster customer loyalty.
Hiring a Sales Assistant can improve key success metrics for retail stores. Assistants can help increase conversion rates, shorten customer wait and checkout times and reduce unattended customer walkout rates.
Sales Assistant skills and qualifications
Successful Sales Assistant candidates typically have various sales skills and qualifications, including:
- Knowledge of the sales process and best practices for conducting customer needs assessments
- Problem-solving skills to handle customer objections
- Customer service and interpersonal skills to ensure positive interactions with customers
- Communication skills to answer questions and clearly explain the features and benefits of products
- Organizational skills to maintain the sales floor
- Computer skills to operate POS systems and utilize inventory control, email and other software programs
- Basic math skills to balance cash registers and make change for customers
- Ability to remain upright throughout a shift and to move merchandise from one place to another
Sales Assistant experience requirements
Generally, no prior experience is necessary for Sales Assistants. However, a background in customer service or retail can be beneficial. Some stores have Senior Sales Assistants who train new assistants and handle complex customer inquiries. These individuals may need prior experience in a sales or retail position to succeed.
Sales Assistant education and training requirements
There are generally no formal education requirements for Sales Associates, making this role a strong fit for skills-first hiring. Rather than focusing only on degrees, you can consider practical skills like customer service, product knowledge, communication and the ability to close a sale.
Most new hires complete on-the-job training programs, which prepare them to succeed in specific retail environments. In some industries, such as automotive sales, state or local laws may require Sales Associates to obtain a license before working independently with customers.
Voluntary certifications can help you identify candidates who have demonstrated knowledge and skills in sales. Examples of these credentials include the Certified Retail Sales Professional (CRSP) certification awarded by the American Institute of Business Management (AIBM) and the Customer Service & Sales Certified Specialist (CSSCS) designation provided by the National Retail Federation (NRF).
Sales Assistant salary expectations
According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Sales Assistant is $59,852 per year. How much a Sales Assistant earns depends on their skills, experience and location.
Sales Assistant salary expectations
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Common salary:
17.85 HOURLY -
Typical salaries range from
7.25 -34.40 HOURLY - Find more information on Indeed Salaries
*Indeed data –
Job description samples for similar positions
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Sales Assistant job description FAQs
What makes a good Sales Assistant?
To make customers feel welcome and at ease, a good Sales Assistant is typically patient with customers and demonstrates a willingness to help others.
Having an interest in the types of products and services can also be beneficial. An ability to remain calm under pressure and work quickly without sacrificing customer service can also be helpful during busy seasons.
How do I call attention to my Sales Assistant job description?
To call attention to your Sales Assistant job description, lead with a bulleted list of the top benefits and perks of working for your company. Examples of things to highlight include bonuses and commissions, flexible working hours, insurance benefits and employee discounts.
What are the differences between a Sales Clerk and a Sales Assistant?
Sales Assistants and Sales Clerks perform related duties at large stores. Typically, the Sales Clerk stays at the cash register, processing sales transactions. On the other hand, Sales Assistants work on the sales floor, assisting customers and maintaining the appearance of the store.
Smaller stores are less likely to employ both Sales Associates and Sales Clerks. At these businesses, one person usually handles all sales responsibilities, from checking out customers to restocking merchandise. Employers might call these employees Sales Assistants or Sales Clerks.
Who does a Sales Assistant report to?
Who a Sales Assistant reports to depends on the size and organizational structure of the store. Large stores may have Senior Sales Assistant or Sales Supervisors who oversee teams of assistants and report to a Department Manager. At smaller stores, all Sales Assistants may report to a Shift Supervisor, Assistant Store Manager or Store Manager.
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