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What does a Sales Associate do?

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Talent.com talent.com
Answered September 17 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
Not to be confused with Sales Representative, Sales Associates are typically considered the direct link between a company and its customers. They sell various products and goods, ranging from clothes and electrical appliances to houses and cars. They are also considered the greeters of the company they represent.  
    
You can divide sales professionals into two groups, depending on to whom and what they are selling. There are, for instance, business-to-customers (B2C) sales, where associates sell directly to the final consumer, and Business-to-Business (B2B), which occurs on a larger scale to other smaller businesses. Sales Associates are B2C-oriented, meaning the customer is encouraged to buy the product or service immediately and directly from the Salesperson.  
    
Sales Associates may also serve as consultants for customers needing an expert's advice when buying specialized, technological, or novelty items. Sales Associates have a vital role in service and retail establishments since they are the customer's direct and constant point of contact. They can leave a long-lasting positive impression on clients to get them back for the products and the shopping experience.   

Roles and responsibilities of a Sales Associate
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of everyday tasks Sales Associates are required to complete.  
  • Greeting customers and creating a welcoming environment.  
  • Greeting, acknowledging, and informing customers in a warm, courteous, and professional manner. 
  • Explaining the necessary precautions and maintenance procedures of specialized products to buyers. 
  • Directing customers in locating merchandise. 
  • Ensuring customer satisfaction. 
  • Selling a wide variety of products and services to the general public. 
  • Explaining product qualities and characteristics to the customer. 
  • Staying up-to-date on the most current promotions and advertisements, informing clients about prices, discounts, and promotions. 
  • Maintaining an updated and accurate understanding of all products and services on sale. 
  • Recognizing the specifications of a product when working with expensive and complex items, such as cars, spare and replacement parts, jewelry, electronics, etc. 
  • Maintaining adequate stock of all in-demand products.  
  • Assisting Cashiers when necessary. 
  • Operating cash registers. 
  • Processing the payment for the sale using a Point of Sale (POS) system. 
  • Sharing suggestions, ideas, and concerns with the appropriate Managers. 
  • Keeping records of all sales for inventory and stock purposes. 
  • Using specialized software to keep inventory. 
  • Performing minor duties in stores and shops, including arranging shelves, doing inventory, cleaning facilities, and handling correspondence. 
  • Assisting with cleaning activities, making sure the store is organized and clean. 
  • Processing shipments. 
  • Complying with all health and safety standards and procedures, as well as with the establishment’s rules and regulations. 
  • Promptly identifying possible cases of thieving and robbery and reacting according to company procedures. 
  • Notifying Security Guards or calling the police if necessary. 
Easteregg!