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Sales Associate Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

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A Sales Associate, or Retail Associate, sells customers a product or service a company offers. Their duties include being up-to-date with product knowledge, helping customers, processing payments, and keeping the store stocked and tidy.

Sales Associate duties and responsibilities

Sales Associates have a wide range of duties that differ depending on the retailer. They carry out their tasks under the supervision of a senior staff member. Primary duties and responsibilities include:

  • Greet guests entering the store
  • Answer any customer questions to help them make informed purchasing decisions
  • Recommend specific products or services based on the customer’s needs
  • Direct customers to the merchandise they’re looking for
  • Process customer payments
  • Clean and stock the sales floor and their workspace
  • Inform customers of promotions and sales
  • Keep up-to-date with knowledge for new and existing products

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Sale Associate Job Description Examples:

Our mission

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.

Read our editorial guidelines
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What does a Sales Associate do?

A Sales Associate is the public face of a company, as they are typically the first, and sometimes only, person a customer interacts with while shopping. They are responsible for ensuring the customer finds everything they need and answering any questions they have. When the customer is ready, the Sales Associate also processes the payment and packages their goods before thanking them for their purchase. When there are no customers, a Sales Associate ensures the store is clean and well-stocked.

Sales Associate skills and qualifications

As Sales Associates work directly with customers, they must have great interpersonal skills to ensure every customer feels welcome and wants to return. Sales Associates must also have many skills and qualifications to perform their duties successfully, including:

  • Strong interpersonal skills
  • Positive attitude on the sales floor
  • Understanding of basic math
  • Good written and verbal communication skills
  • Professional appearance and attitude
  • Knowledge of successful sales tactics
  • Ability to multi-task
  • Great time-management skills

Sales Associate experience requirements

Sales Associate positions are entry-level, so candidates don’t require prior experience. Look for candidates with an outgoing personality and a strong work ethic. They can learn other key duties and responsibilities of the role on the job. If your establishment is upscale or requires technical knowledge, you may prefer Sales Associates with prior sales experience or product knowledge. This will ensure they’re a good fit for the role and help customers make informed purchase decisions.

Sales Associate education and training requirements

Sales Associates don’t require academic certifications. Many work part-time while completing their high school diploma or post-secondary education. Depending on your business, you may prefer candidates who have completed their high school diploma or GED. Candidates who are working towards a marketing, sales, or business certification are an asset and well-prepared for the role.

Sales Associate salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Sales Associate in Canada is $59.281 per year. This varies based on experience, location, and the hiring company.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Sales Associate is not quite what you’re looking for, here are some relevant job description samples:

Create a culture of innovation
Download our free step-by-step guide on encouraging healthy risk-taking
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Sales Associate job description FAQs

Two chefs, one wearing a red headband, review a laptop and take notes at a wooden table in a kitchen setting.

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