Sales Associate Job Description [Updated for 2025]

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A Sales Associate, or Retail Sales Associate, assists customers throughout the buying process by providing friendly and knowledgeable service. Their duties include greeting customers, helping them find specific products and processing purchases using the point-of-sale (POS) system.

Sales Associate duties and responsibilities

Sales associate greeting customers in the store. Perhaps a rack of clothing in the background as a silhouette to illustrate the environment.Text reads: "Sample sales associate duties:Welcome customers into the store,Recommend related products to customers,Explain the benefits of various products,Promote special sales & offers"

Sales Associates play a key role in delivering excellent customer service and supporting store operations through a variety of tasks, including:

Welcoming customers into the store or department
Providing product information and answering customer questions
Cross-selling related products to increase customers’ options and enrich the shopping experience
Explaining the benefits and functions of products, including how to set them up, prepare them for use and operate them correctly for the best results
Accepting and processing customer payments and returns
Maintaining the appearance of the sales floor by organizing items and replenishing stock
Promoting special sales, offers, store loyalty programs, store credit cards and special events
Remaining up to date on the latest products in the store or department
Assisting with inventory counts and stock management

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Sales Associate Job Description Examples

Example 1

Job description

Everybody (well almost) loves beef jerky and they love working at our store on The Island. As sales associates head back to college, we need some immediate help. Our store is very "first responder and military orientented", and we love our customers. The owner, manager and several associates are retired police officers, and if you have ever been in the store, you know it's a fun and interesting place to visit.Just imagine working here helping the thousands of visitors to our area from all over the United States and the world. We have a huge employee discount and monthly bonuses for our folks. The schedule is made up a month in advance and the manager will work with you. You will start at $14/hour, with your first raise at 3 months. The Island has free parking with a free shuttle, so you won't have to pay like in Gatlinburg. We would love to have responsible, dependable people on our team and would love to hear from you. Only if you are serious and will actually show up for an interview,call the store's owner, Bruce Parker @ 865 456-3535. You won't be disappointed.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Salary: From $14.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount
Flexible schedule

Shift:

8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

Pigeon Forge, TN 37863: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Shift availability:

Day Shift (Preferred)
Night Shift (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

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Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Salary: From $14.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount
Flexible schedule

Shift:

8 hour shift

Weekly day range:

Monday to Friday
Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

Pigeon Forge, TN 37863: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: One location

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Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: From $14.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount
Flexible schedule

Shift:

8 hour shift
Day shift
Night shift

Weekly day range:

Monday to Friday
Weekend availability

Ability to commute/relocate:

Pigeon Forge, TN 37863: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location

Example 2

At Target Optical, we help people see and look great and have a blast doing it! We make caring for people s vision fun.

We offer flexible work schedules and a competitive compensation package including benefits, and because we are part of the eyewear industry leader, Luxottica, there is plenty of opportunities to grow your career. Love fashion? We ve got you covered. Want a flexible work environment? Done. Want to be the boss of your day? We love your thinking.

There s always more to see at Target Optical more style, more fun, and more opportunities to find a career that fits your already-full life. Put your career in focus with us!

General Function

The Sales Associate ensures the delivery of the Target Optical Way and the Guest Experience. The Sales Associate lives out the Target Optical Way by embracing the Mindsets: People Focused, Collaborative, Accountable to Results, Think Differently and Simple, Fun and In Style.

MAJOR Duties AND Responsibilities

Delivers the daily sales goal by flawless execution of the Guest Experience behaviors.
Ensures the delivery of a simple, fun and in-style fashion experience through the Playground Rules.
Builds Brand awareness by daily attracting new Guests from the Host to Optical.
Develops and maintains a professional business partnership with the Target Optical doctor and Target Host.
Models the Target Optical Personal Style Dress Code.
Creates an amazing Guest experience on every visit by accurately fitting and dispensing fashionable product to Guests.
Follows all operating policies and procedures at the highest level to include training, timely and accurate implementation of approved marketing/ merchandising programs and promotions, the accurate completion of all sales transactions, and utilization of all sales strategies and resources.
Ensures accuracy in all transactions/interactions with the Guest.

BASIC Qualifications

High School Diploma or equivalent
1+ years experience in retail or customer service
Basic Computer Skills
Selling Skills
Driver for Results
Self-Motivated
Critical Thinking
Accountability
Accuracy in measurements

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $18.50 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

401(k)
401(k) matching
Dental insurance
Employee discount
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance

Shift:

4 hour shift
8 hour shift
Day shift
Evening shift
Morning shift
Night shift

Weekly day range:

Monday to Friday
Rotating weekends

Ability to commute/relocate:

Chicago, IL 60618: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required)

Language:

Spanish (Required)

Shift availability:

Night Shift (Required)
Day Shift Location: In person

Example 3

About us

Olive & Grace Bridal is a small business in Grand Island, NE. We are professional, rewarding and fast-paced.

Responsibilities:
- Assist brides in finding their dream wedding dress and accessories
- Provide exceptional customer service and create a positive shopping experience
- Listen to the needs and preferences of brides to help them make informed decisions
- Offer styling advice and suggestions based on current bridal trends
- Coordinate and schedule bridal appointments
- Maintain the cleanliness and organization of the bridal salon
- Process sales transactions accurately and efficiently

Qualifications:
- Strong communication skills in English, both verbal and written
- Previous experience in sales is a plus
- Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail
- Ability to manage time effectively and prioritize tasks
- Passion for fashion and knowledge of current bridal trends
- Ability to work well in a team environment
- Flexibility to work weekends

Join our team of dedicated bridal consultants and help make dreams come true for our brides-to-be!

Note: This job description is intended to provide a general overview of the position. It is not an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, qualifications, or working conditions associated with the role.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $11.00 - $13.00 per hour

Benefits:

Employee discount
Flexible schedule

Shift:

Day shift

Weekly day range:

Monday to Friday
Weekends as needed

Ability to commute/relocate:

Grand Island, NE 68801: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: In person

Example 4

Job Summary:
We are seeking a dynamic Sales Associate to join our team! The ideal candidate will be a highly motivated, articulate, and sales driven individual. Reporting directly to the Vice President of Sales, the candidate will have the opportunity to apply best practices in sales - working with a high caliber sales team.

Shift:Start time varies from 5:00 AM - 8:30 AM

Duties:

Help achieve or exceed sales target
Develop and maintain relationships with key clients and prospects.
Conduct market research to understand the needs and trends within your territory.
Serve as the main point of contact for clients within your territory.
Provide exceptional customer service and address any concerns or issues.
Ensure client satisfaction and foster long-term relationships.
Work closely with logistics and warehouse teams to ensure timely and accurate delivery of goods.
Communicate client needs and feedback to logistics teams for continuous improvement.
Manage your schedule and travel plans to maximize efficiency and coverage of the region.
Represent the company at trade shows, conferences, and other industry events.
Promote the company’s services and solutions to potential clients.
Report regularly to sales managers and provide insights on regional market conditions.

Qualifications:

Education: 2 year certificate from college or technical school
Preferred: 2 yeas of hands on experience in Sales or Customer Service
Wholesale industry experience preferred
Understanding sales and performance metrics
Excellent writing and communication skills
Willingness to learn and apply
Preferred English and Spanish

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $17.00 - $24.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

401(k)
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Vision insurance

Shift:

Morning shift

Weekly day range:

Monday to Friday

Ability to Commute:

Los Angeles, CA 90058 Location: In person

Example 5

Our Sales Associate will be an expert in our products and services and be creative in offering solutions to each customer's needs. Strong sales and tech equipment / computers skills are great backgrounds for this role but are not required. This is a full-time or near-full-time position. Our Sales Associate will work a flexible schedule of at least 30 hours per week including rotating some weekends. She or he can earn incremental sales commission pay tied to our business's revenue growth. The UPS Store Fieldstone Farms in Franklin has been in business for 25 years and is a franchised, independently owned company. We offer businesses and consumers fast, efficient, high-quality tech-enabled solutions for printing, packing, shipping, mail and package management, and more. Responsibilities and requirements

Be an expert in our products and services and guide customers to solutions that meet their needs.
Offer additional services / cross-sell to customers. Generate new sales from our wide range of business services.
Contribute ideas to improve sales, products, and operations, and work with management to implement improvements.
Support colleagues and contribute to a positive and enjoyable work environment.Qualifications and other information The ideal candidate has sales and service experience, excellent tech equipment / computer skills, and the physical ability to perform this role. Physical requirements may include standing for long periods of time, packing and lifting boxes for shipment, sorting mail, storing inventory, and using tech equipment and computers. Overtime work occasionally may be required and will be paid at 1.5 times the regular rate of pay for any hours exceeding 40 hours in one work week. Employees of The UPS Store franchises are not employees of UPS / United Parcel Service, Inc. Job Type: Part-time Pay: From $16.00 per hour Supplemental pay Work Location: One location

Example 6

Be an expert in our products and services and guide customers to solutions that meet their needs.
Offer additional services / cross-sell to customers. Generate new sales from our wide range of business services.
Contribute ideas to improve sales, products, and operations, and work with management to implement improvements.
Support colleagues and contribute to a positive and enjoyable work environment.Qualifications and other information The ideal candidate has sales and service experience, excellent tech equipment / computer skills, and the physical ability to perform this role. Physical requirements may include standing for long periods of time, packing and lifting boxes for shipment, sorting mail, storing inventory, and using tech equipment and computers. Overtime work occasionally may be required and will be paid at 1.5 times the regular rate of pay for any hours exceeding 40 hours in one work week. Employees of The UPS Store franchises are not employees of UPS / United Parcel Service, Inc. Job Type: Part-time Pay: From $16.00 per hour Supplemental pay Work Location: One location

Example 7

Come work for us! We are looking for dedicated employees to join our team to help our customers have the best experience possible every time they enter a Finish Line Macy's store. Our employees are key to our success. Position Title: Store Associate Summary:Performs sales and customer service tasks by performing the following duties. Sample Responsibilities:

Performs sales and customer service responsibilities.
Performs cashiering, stockroom upkeep and store upkeep as needed.
Maintains company standards regarding personal sales metrics.This is a summary of some of the key duties, responsibilities, and physical demands expected of this position. It is not intended to be a complete job description.
Requires standing approximately 5 8 hours per day usually 3 5 days per week.
During peak sale periods (e.g. Holiday, Back-to-School), will work for long periods throughout a 1 12 hour day.
Requires stooping and kneeling to place merchandise on customer's feet as well as reaching and pulling to obtain or stock merchandise on storage racks.
May be required to climb ladder or ascend/descend stairs in order to stock and/or acquire merchandise for sale.
Required to lift items weighing 5 25 lbs regularly. In certain circumstances, weights may be higher.Physical Demands The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. EEOC Statement: ** The Finish Line, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to complying with all federal, state, and local EEO laws. The Finish Line, Inc. prohibits discrimination against employees and applicants for employment based on the individual's race or color, religion or creed, national origin, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, sex, pregnancy status, age, military status, disability, or any other protected characteristic or class protected by law. The Finish Line, Inc. provides reasonable accommodation for disabilities in accordance with applicable laws. Job Type: Part-time Pay: From $15.00 per hour Schedule:
10 hour shift
8 hour shift
Monday to Friday
Weekend availabilityApplication Question(s):
You must be at least 18 years old to work for FinishLine @ Macys. Are you at least 18 years Location: One location

Example 8

Career Description Job Description We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. What is a Salesperson? Entry level sales position capable of supporting the DIY business and achieve our sales and service objectives. The role has good knowledge of store systems, basic automotive system knowledge and basic part knowledge. The role has the basic ability to source from stores, hubs, pdq, and external suppliers. The role has in-depth knowledge of the store inventory and maintenance processes. Position can be part time or full time. Fleet safety certification preferred. Primary Responsibilities**

Provide excellent selling experience for DIY customer visits and phone calls
Achieve personal sales goal and help store achieve its sales goals
Provide DIY services including battery installation, testing, wiper installs, etc.
Maintain store product and operational standards
Responsible for inventory processes including truck put away, shoot outs, cycle counts, Back stock, etc.Secondary Responsibilities**
Store Cleanliness including floors, bathrooms, facing, dusting, parking lot
General stocking including truck stocking and back stock
Safely deliver parts to customers as neededSuccess Factors**
Basic driving and navigation ability
Ability to use delivery board system
Friendly communication
Ability to locate and stock parts
Safety knowledge and skills
Operating inventory systems and store equipment
Parts and automotive system knowledge skills
Operating POS and Parts lookup systems
Expert at testing and diagnostic equipment for DIY serviceEssential Job Skills Necessary for Success as a Salesperson**
Speak and write English (Spanish a plus); communicate effectively and build strong relationships with customers, peers and management
Read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, parts catalogs, and procedure manuals
Use basic math accurately: add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals
Ability to work an assortment of days, evenings, and weekends as neededPrior Experience that Sets a Salesperson up for Success **
2-3 years of successful sales experience in a diverse retail environment, providing superior customer experiencesPhysical Demands The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will predominantly be walking or standing. The employee is required to be able to talk and hear, and use hands and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Work Environment* The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job, with or without reasonable accommodation. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is usually working inside; however, they will occasionally be outside and exposed to various weather conditions while performing such tasks as installing batteries and wiper blades. The employee is also occasionally exposed to moving mechanical parts; high, precarious places; toxic or caustic chemicals; risk of electrical shock; explosives; and vibration. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran and basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class. Aaprtl Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $16.50 per hour Benefits:
401(k)
Dental insurance
Flexible schedule
Health insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance Schedule:
8 hour shift
Day shift
Evening shift
Holidays
Overtime
Weekend availabilityAbility to commute/relocate:
San Jose, CA 95117: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work Location: One location

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What does a Sales Associate do?

Sales Associates typically work for retail stores in a range of specialties, including clothing and accessories, technology, beauty, home decor or media and entertainment. They usually support day-to-day sales by assisting customers, answering product questions and guiding purchase decisions, helping contribute to overall sales growth.

In addition to selling, Sales Associates contribute to customer satisfaction rates. When they provide exceptional service, they can improve customer retention and encourage customer referrals.

Sales Associate skills and qualifications

Successful Sales Associates often have a combination of customer service abilities and practical skills that enable them to support store operations and enhance the shopping experience, including:

Understanding of the steps of the selling process, including the approach, needs assessment, presentation, handling objections and closing the sale
Active listening and communication skills to understand customer requests and provide clear information
Ability to operate point-of-sale (POS) systems
Interpersonal skills to adhere to customer service standards
Organizational skills to maintain the appearance of the sales floor
Multitasking skills to simultaneously assist multiple customers
Basic math skills to make appropriate change and balance the cash register at the beginning and end of a shift
Computer skills to use inventory control and POS software
Ability to remain upright throughout working hours and move products from one place to another

Sales Associate experience requirements

Previous retail or customer service experience may be preferred, but not always required, as many Sales Associates receive on-the-job training to develop the necessary skills for assisting customers and operating sales systems.

Examples of relevant previous job titles with transferable skills could include Food Server, Customer Service Representative and Telemarketer.

Sales Associate education and training requirements

There are typically no formal education requirements for Sales Associates, which makes it a strong fit for skills-first hiring. Rather than focusing on degrees or a specific number of years of experience, employers may prioritize candidates with practical abilities such as strong communication, customer service skills and the ability to operate point-of-sale systems.

Because many Sales Associates receive on-the-job training, candidates with transferable skills from retail, hospitality or other customer-facing roles can often succeed without formal education, making the role accessible to a wide range of applicants.

Sales Associate salary expectations

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

Job description samples for similar positions

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Sales Associate job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Sales Associate and a Cashier?

Sales Associates and Cashiers both process transactions for retail customers. Sales Associates typically work on the sales floor, assisting customers with making selections. Cashiers usually remain at the checkout area. While they may answer general questions about merchandise, they usually don’t assist customers through the entire sales process.

What qualities make for a good Sales Associate?

A good Sales Associate is typically approachable and able to build positive connections with a wide range of customers. This quality allows them to connect with customers and make them feel comfortable. They typically enjoy working as part of a team and find satisfaction in helping others. An interest in the types of products that a store sells and previous experience using them can also be beneficial.

Should I give a Sales Associate additional compensation beyond a salary?

Offering additional compensation may help you attract quality candidates for your Sales Associate position. Options include commissions on sales, bonuses for achieving sales goals and monetary incentives for opening store credit cards or signing customers up for loyalty programs or mailing lists. Knowing what types of additional pay your competitors offer can help you create a competitive compensation program.

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Sales Associate Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Sales Associate duties and responsibilities

Sales Associate Job Description Examples

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Example 4

Example 5

Example 6

Example 7

Example 8

Build your Sales Associate job description in minutes.

What does a Sales Associate do?

Sales Associate skills and qualifications

Sales Associate experience requirements

Sales Associate education and training requirements

Sales Associate salary expectations

Sales Associate salary expectations

Job description samples for similar positions

Sales Associate job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Sales Associate and a Cashier?

What qualities make for a good Sales Associate?

Should I give a Sales Associate additional compensation beyond a salary?

Hire your next Sales Associate today.

Job Description Examples

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Sales Associate Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications

Sales Associate duties and responsibilities

Sales Associate Job Description Examples

Example 1

Example 2

Example 3

Example 4

Example 5

Example 6

Example 7

Example 8

Build your Sales Associate job description in minutes.

What does a Sales Associate do?

Sales Associate skills and qualifications

Sales Associate experience requirements

Sales Associate education and training requirements

Sales Associate salary expectations

Sales Associate salary expectations

Job description samples for similar positions

Sales Associate job description FAQs

What’s the difference between a Sales Associate and a Cashier?

What qualities make for a good Sales Associate?

Should I give a Sales Associate additional compensation beyond a salary?

Hire your next Sales Associate today.

Job Description Examples

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