Salesperson Career Description
Salespersons sell goods in a shop or businesses or to shops as commercial travelers. The salespersons must present their firms' products to possible clients in such a way as to create an interest in the merchandise, and thereby promote sales.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The success of a retail or wholesale business depends heavily on its sales personnel. Courteous, efficient and reliable service leads to customer satisfaction, therefore it is important that sales personnel do their best to assist clients and go the extra mile to ensure customers' delight.
Salespersons inform the clients about the various products and assist them to make the best choice by pointing out the differences between products. Other tasks include the handling of exchanging of goods, the wrap of and receipt of payment for sales goods, stocktaking, ordering and the unpacking of stock and the decoration and display of products in the shop.
It is the responsibility of salespersons to maintain a high standard of housekeeping and merchandise presentation, by ensuring that the department is clean and tidy and that the merchandise is laid out correctly and in a way to attract the customers.
Traveling salespersons visit clients on a regular basis during which new and existing products are introduced to clients by way of samples, brochures and demonstrations. The client places an order and traveling salespersons ensure that it is carried out. New clients and orders must continuously be touted and it is especially this aspect that makes the work challenging for prospective sales personnel.
Recently more shops and undertakings focus on the multiskilling of their personnel. This means that salespersons are trained to do the tasks of the cashier and vice versa (see article on cashier).
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Because of the nature of the work, it is important that salespersons have negotiating skills and that they can easily relate to people. A pleasant, tactful and friendly attitude together with a neat and tidy appearance is a prerequisite for this type of work.
Good communication skills are an absolute necessity. Successful sales work requires tenacity, a positive attitude, hard work,
dedication, self-motivation, attention to detail, high energy levels and a passion for the work they do.
Where can I work?
Employment possibilities exist at various manufacturers and product distributors, shops, chain stores and similar undertakings.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Salespersons with initiative and the necessary experience and skills, can start their own businesses.
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