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Sale Associate Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

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A Sale Associate, or Sales Clerk, is responsible for attending to customers in a retail environment and helping them make an informed purchase of the goods they need. Their duties include welcoming customers to the store and asking them about their purchasing needs, helping people find the right item and ringing up items at the register.

Sale Associate duties and responsibilities

Sale Associates represent retailers and assist customers with their purchases by helping them find products or services that meet their needs. Their specific duties and responsibilities may vary depending on the company they work for, but typically include the following:

  • Provide outstanding customer service before and after a sale.
  • Maintain high levels of customer satisfaction.
  • Help customers determine their needs then provide proper recommendations to solve their problems.
  • Ask all customers for referrals.
  • Develop strong relationships with customers and look for opportunities to further expand their products.
  • Take full advantage of company training sessions and literature to remain current with product offerings.
  • Keep all store areas clean and organized.

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Sale Associate Job Description Examples

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Indeed’s Employer Resource Library helps businesses grow and manage their workforce. With over 15,000 articles in 6 languages, we offer tactical advice, how-tos and best practices to help businesses hire and retain great employees.

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What does a Sale Associate do?

Sale Associates work on the floor of a store to facilitate purchases and stock item displays. Sale Associates are responsible for knowing details about all of the products sold at their store so they can educate customers about the purpose of each item. They advertise items to customers based on their interests, recommending complementary purchases and demonstrating products when necessary.

Sale Associates check out all items, accept payment and give the correct amount of change. They balance the register by counting out bills and comparing them to receipts from cash transactions and the card machine. Sale Associates also keep the store clean by sweeping, wiping display cases, dusting products and vacuuming mats.

Sale Associate skills and qualifications

A successful Sale Associate will need to have the following skills and qualifications to be effective in their role: 

  • Self-motivated
  • Strong communication skills
  • Ability to learn quickly
  • Ability to read people well
  • Good listening skills
  • Friendly personality
  • General understanding of the sales process

Sale Associate salary expectations

A Sale Associate makes an average of $11.30 per hour. Pay rate may vary depending on the Sale Associate’s level of experience and geographical location.

Sale Associate salary expectations

2025-10-017.2515.0033.40HOURLY
  • Common salary: 15.00 HOURLY
  • Typical salaries range from 7.25 - 33.40 HOURLY
  • Find more information on Indeed Salaries

*Indeed data – 2025-10-01

Sale Associate education and training requirements

A specific level of education is not a requirement for most Sale Associates. However, many employers require Sale Associates to have a minimum of a high school diploma, GED or similar with relevant experience. A bachelor’s degree or the completion of a professional training program may be required for a Sale Associate to advance to a management position. Sale Associates typically obtain the necessary skills to perform this role through on-the-job training. Depending on the company or department they work for, Sale Associates may also receive additional training in specific products.

Sale Associate experience requirements

The specific experience requirements for a Sale Associate will vary from employer to employer. Most employers prefer Sale Associates with some prior sales experience. Many high school and college students work as Sale Associates to gain experience and enhance their resumes. The Sale Associate position is typically an entry-level role.

Job description samples for similar positions

If this Sale Associate job description template is not exactly what you’re looking for, consider these similar positions:

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Frequently asked questions about Sale Associates

Three individuals are sitting at a table with a laptop, a disposable coffee cup, notebooks, and a phone visible. Two are facing each other, while the third’s back is to the camera. The setting appears to be a bright room with large windows.

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