Shop Assistant Career Description
It is the shop assistants' task to introduce new products to prospective buyers. Shop assistants form an important link between the business and the public. They are agents for the shop and must at all times be an advertisement for the business where they work. Their performance will determine if the customer will support the store again or not.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The type of store and the department in which they work, determine the nature of the shop assistants' work. Irrespective of the place where they work, the principles of the work are basically the same.
The shop assistants' main task is to determine the needs of the customer and show them the range of products available. They must be objective and advise the customer on size, colour and price. Shop assistants must have a thorough knowledge of the articles they sell. This knowledge of products and manufacturers is especially important in the selling of furniture, electrical appliances and building material.
Some of the general duties of shop assistants include answering telephone enquiries, unpacking and pricing newly arrived goods, checking stocks, reacting to frequent enquiries for articles not available in the store and helping to prevent shoplifting. They must be willing to work on Saturdays and sometimes Sundays. The shop assistants are sometimes exposed to demanding customers and must be able to handle them in a tactful way. However there are advantages for shop assistants like days off because of having worked long hours as well as receiving a staff discount on purchases of their own.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need?
If shop assistants are friendly and helpful towards customers they will certainly visit the shop again. The shop assistants must be able to work with people. They work long hours and under pressure during busy times and therefore must have good health and stamina. A neat and well attended appearance is very important because it creates a positive image of the person and the shop. Good taste and knowledge of the articles you sell and insight into the tastes of customers are valuable attributes.
Where can I work?
Areas of employment include department stores and any shop where products are sold directly to the public. Opportunities for promotion exist, especially in large, nationwide departmental stores. With experience and dedication a person can progress from shop assistant to shop or sales consultant, supervisor and department manager.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
After working as a shop assistant for some time persons can start their own businesses. All you need is the initiative and capital.
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