Retail Salespeople
Retail salespeople help customers find items in stores. They try to convince customers to buy those items.
Retail salespeople demonstrate how items work and explain details of items to customers. They give information about various models, colors, and brands of an item.
Retail Salespeople are in the Marketing, Sales, and Service career cluster and the Professional Sales pathway.
Quick Facts
Wages: |
Well below the statewide median
$10.05 / hour Read more about wages |
Outlook: |
Percent Growth
15% Above statewide average Read more about outlook |
Education & Training: |
Short-term on-the-job training (1 month or less) is common. |
On the Job: |
Work Activities
Assess your skills |
Job Title Examples: |
Sales Consultant,
Selling Manager,
Store Manager
See more job title examples |
Source: Minnesota Department of Education, Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development, and CareerOneStop.
Wages & Outlook
Wages
Not all salespeople are paid by the hour. Some receive a portion of the price of what they sell, which is called a commission. Some salespeople earn only a commission, and others receive a commission plus a low hourly wage.
Commission sales may allow retail salespeople to increase their hourly wages. However, commissions depend heavily on the salesperson's powers of persuasion and the ups and downs of the economy.
In smaller businesses, benefits may be limited. In larger businesses, retail salespeople may enjoy benefits, such as paid holidays and vacation, a retirement plan, and health insurance. These benefits, however, are usually given only to full-time workers. Nearly all retail salespeople receive discounts when buying store merchandise.
View the Regional Wage Comparison Chart for:
Employment
In Minnesota, about 86,969 retail salespeople work in this very large occupation.
Major employers:
- Clothing and accessories stores
- Department stores
- Building materials stores
- Automobile dealers
- Sporting goods stores
Outlook
Employment growth will occur for retail salespeople. This growth is because of increased retail sales created by a growing population. Much of the demand will continue to be for part-time workers, especially during the holiday peak shopping season. Many consumers are buying products from Internet shopping sites. Despite the large number of these sites, the number of retail salespeople needed in stores has not decreased.
Employment in this occupation depends heavily on a strong economy. In economic downturns, people have less money to spend on retail shopping, and fewer salespeople are needed.
| Employment | Employment Change | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| U S | 4,261,600 | 4,968,400 | 706,800 | 16.6% |
| Minnesota | 81,277 | 93,507 | 12,230 | 15% |
| 2010 | 2020 | Number | Percent | |
| Central Minnesota | 8,629 | 10,414 | 1,785 | 20.7% |
| Northeast Minnesota | 4,255 | 4,885 | 630 | 14.8% |
| Northwest Minnesota | 6,538 | 7,832 | 1,294 | 19.8% |
| Southeast Minnesota | 7,995 | 9,451 | 1,456 | 18.2% |
| Southwest Minnesota | 5,854 | 6,449 | 595 | 10.2% |
| Seven County Mpls-St Paul, MN | 47,614 | 54,133 | 6,519 | 13.7% |
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
On the Job
Overview
Retail salespeople help customers find items in stores. They try to convince customers to buy those items.
There it is in the display, the digital camera you've been eyeing for months. It has got more bells and whistles than a circus clown! You've researched the brand, the features, and decided that today, you are going to get it. You walk up to the counter and the salesperson asks with a smile, "What can I help you with today?" You reply that you want to buy the camera. Your fingers twitch with excitement. You can't wait to start shooting! "Oh, I'm sorry," the salesperson says. "It's been a hot seller and we are out of stock. We sold the last one just a few minutes ago."
Horrors! You gasp. You've waited and finally saved up enough money, and now it's not here! "Let me check with our other store," the salesperson offers, checking the inventory on the computer. "A-ha! They have two left. I'll put a hold on one right now. If you still want it, I can arrange to have it shipped to your home," the salesperson says. You sigh with relief. "Thank you," you say. "You've been very helpful." Thanks to that kind salesperson, you're shooting high resolution digital images within a few days.Retail salespeople demonstrate how items work and explain details of items to customers. They give information about various models, colors, and brands of an item. Sometimes they give special information about very expensive or complex items. They help customers find items in the store. If they cannot find an item, retail salespeople check the stockroom or make special orders from other stores.
Retail salespeople compute the amount of the total sale and receive cash, check, or credit card payments. Then they give customers change and receipts. Most salespeople are assigned to a register at the beginning of their shift. They are also given drawers with "banks" of money. They count their banks to be sure they contain the correct amount of money. At the end of their shift, salespeople again count the drawers' contents and compare the totals with their sales data. They also total charge forms, return slips, and other non-cash items. Finally, salespeople deposit the day's sales at the store's cash office.
Retail salespeople bag, package, or gift wrap items for customers. Sometimes they arrange to mail or deliver special-order items. Salespeople also handle returns or exchanges of items. In addition, they keep track of items for sale in the store. They make sure shelves and racks have items for customers and are displayed in an appealing way. They mark price tags and make sure that work areas are neat and clean. Retail salespeople also know how to identify and prevent security risks and theft. They also stay updated on new items, store promotions, and policies.
Work Activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.
- Provide polite and efficient service to customers. Determine each customer's needs.
- Sort through charge slips, exchange slips, and coupons in cash register. Balance cash drawers.
- Stay up to date about sales and special offers and store policies.
- Receive cash, check, and charge card payments.
- Compute cost of total sale using cash register.
- Maintain records of sales.
- Watch for and prevent security risks and thefts.
- Recommend and help locate items that meet customer needs.
- Describe items for sale and show different models or colors if necessary. Answer questions.
- Help customers try on items.
- Prepare sales slips or contracts.
- Organize, display, and keep track of items for sale.
- Make special orders or check other stores for hard-to-find items.
- Show how items are used.
- Stock shelves and racks.
- Keep work areas neat.
- Prepare items for purchase or rental.
- Arrange to mail or deliver special-order items.
- Handle returns or exchanges of items.
- Bag or package items for customers. Wrap items to be given as gifts.
People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.
- Work with the public.
- Convince others to buy goods or change their minds or actions.
- Get information needed to do the job.
- Establish and maintain relationships.
- Communicate with people from outside the organization.
- Think creatively.
- Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates.
- Identify objects, actions, and events.
- Update and use job-related knowledge.
- Make decisions and solve problems.
- Resolve conflicts and negotiate with others.
- Judge the value of objects, services, or people.
- Use computers.
- Teach others.
- Process information.
- Organize, plan, and prioritize work.
- Handle and move objects.
- Monitor events, materials, and surroundings.
- Explain the meaning of information to others.
- Inspect equipment, structures, or materials.
Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
- Have a high level of contact with customers and coworkers.
- Often deal with angry or discourteous people.
- May on occasion be placed in a conflict situation.
- Have moderate responsibility for outcomes. Salespeople are expected to meet sales quotas.
- Communicate with customers and coworkers daily by telephone or in person.
- Work in a group or as part of a team.
- Almost always work indoors. However, retail salespeople may work outdoors if they sell items such as cars, plants, or lumber yard materials.
- Work near customers and coworkers, but usually have a few feet of space separating them from others.
- Must be exact in their work. This is so that customers are charged the correct price for items.
- Are able to set some tasks for the day without talking to a supervisor. This is because they often repeat the same tasks.
- Often make decisions that affect customers. They consult supervisors for some decisions, but make most without talking to a supervisor.
- Are moderately competitive with coworkers.
- Must meet strict deadlines on a weekly basis, such as sales quotas.
- Repeat the same physical and mental activities.
- Generally have a set schedule each week.
- May work part time or full time, but most work 40 hours a week.
- May work evenings, weekends, or holidays.
- Often work longer hours around the winter holidays.
- May be discouraged from taking vacation time during peak shopping periods.
Interpersonal Relationships
Physical Work Conditions
Work Performance
Hours/Travel
Physical Demands
In a typical work setting, people in this career:
- Stand for long periods of time.
- Walk from place to place in the store.
- Use hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
- Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
- Understand the speech of another person.
- See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
- Use hands and fingers to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
- Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
- See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
- See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
- Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
- Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
- Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
- Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
- Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
- Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out with the body, arms, or legs. Sometimes these movements are made quickly and repeatedly.
- Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
- Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
People in this career frequently:
It is important for people in this career to be able to:
It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Education & Training
Preparation
To work as a retail salesperson, you typically need to:
- have a high school diploma or GED; and
- complete short-term on-the-job training.
Education after high school
No formal education is required beyond high school. However, a college degree can be good preparation for selling high priced or technical products, such as cars or computers. Several fields of study provide a good background for this occupation.
Many employers require salespeople to have a college degree if their jobs are part of a management-training program. Be sure to take courses in business management, marketing, and computers if you are interested in a retail management position.
On-the-job training
Retail salespeople learn their skills mainly through on-the-job training. In smaller stores, training happens one-on-one with a manager or owner. Larger stores have formal training programs. In these programs you learn about customer service, security risks, and store policies. You also learn how to operate cash registers and price-scanning machines. Training may last up to one month.
Some retail salespeople receive special training from manufacturers. This training is usually limited to expensive or complex items, such as computers or cars. You may also need special training if you sell very specific types of items, such as plants, fabrics, or health care products.
Work experience
Many jobs are entry level and do not require previous experience.
Some jobs, such as selling cars, building materials, or computers may require previous experience.
Military training
Some branches of the military train people to work as sales and stock specialists. Training lasts six to seven weeks. Further training occurs on the job.
Related Programs (Current training programs available)
- Floriculture/Floristry Operations and Management
- Sales, Distribution, and Marketing Operations, General
- Retailing and Retail Operations
- Selling Skills and Sales Operations
Fields of Study (What to study to prepare for this career)
Click on any of the Fields of Study listed below to find out more about preparing for this career.
Helpful High School Courses
You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.
Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this occupation include:
- Principles of Sales
- Marketing
The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.
You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.
Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Skills
People in this career need to:
- Express ideas clearly when speaking or writing.
- Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.
- Read and understand work-related materials.
- Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
- Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
- Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
- Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
- Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
- Develop rules or follow guidelines when arranging items.
- Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
- Use math skills to solve problems.
- Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
- Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
- Teach others how to do something, such as operate a new product.
Communicate
Reason and Problem Solve
Use Math and Science
Work with People
Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:
- Customer and Personal Service: Knowledge of providing special services to customers based on their needs.
- Sales and Marketing: Knowledge of advertising and selling products and services.
- English Language: Knowledge of the meaning, spelling, and use of the English language.
- Mathematics: Knowledge of the rules and uses of numbers. Areas of knowledge include arithmetic, algebra, geometry, and statistics.
Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:
- Consider relationships important. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive environment. They like to do things for other people. They prefer jobs where they are not pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.
- Have enterprising interests. They like work activities that involve starting up and carrying out projects, especially in business. They like to lead and persuade others, make decisions, and take risks for profit.
- Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Source: Minnesota Department of Education.
Tools & Technology for Retail Salespersons
Tools
Adjustable widemouth pliers
| Hammers
|
Technology
Accounting software
| Spreadsheet software
|
Licensing / Certification
Certification Details
Certifications are examinations that test or enhance your knowledge, experience or skills in an occupation or profession.
There are 12 certifications related to this career.
Licensing Details
Click on occupations listed below to find State
of Minnesota licensing information.
Hearing Instrument Dispenser Certification
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and CareerOneStop.
Jobs
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Hiring Practices
Employers generally prefer to hire retail salespeople who have a high school diploma or GED. Some employers prefer salespeople who speak more than one language. This is important in stores that serve tourists or non-English speaking communities.
Some employers do background checks before they hire new employees. This security measure often is used in businesses that sell expensive items such as cars.
Employers prefer salespeople who possess traits that are important in the retail industry. These traits include patience, tact, and the ability to communicate clearly. A neat and pleasant appearance is also important.
Advancement Opportunities
As retail salespeople gain experience, they may move to positions with greater responsibility. They may also be able to work in the department of their choice. This could mean a move that would allow better chances for sales, which would increase earnings. Retail salespeople may advance to the head of the sales staff by selling many high-priced items or by providing excellent customer service.
Opportunities for advancement vary from store to store. In small stores, advancement may be limited. This is because one person, usually the owner, handles most management tasks. In other stores, salespeople may advance to assistant manager jobs.
There is a trend toward hiring college graduates as management trainees. However, hard-working retail salespeople, even those without college degrees, may move into management positions. They may also move into administrative and supervisory positions in large stores.
Job Title Examples
Sales Consultant, Selling Manager, Store Manager, Merchandise Manager, Sales Associate, Sales Clerk
Similar Careers
Below are careers similar to Retail Salespeople you may be interested in reading about.
If you are looking to broaden your job search,
these careers require similar skills. Click on the names to link to their career profile.
Counter and Rental Clerks
Customer Service Representatives
Demonstrators and Promoters
Laundry and Dry Cleaning Workers
Parts Salespeople
Recreation Attendants
Route Salespeople
Sales Representatives
Similar Military Careers
Below are similar military careers you may be interested in reading about. Click on the names to link to their career description.
Sales and Stock Specialists
Related Industries
Below are industries related to Retail Salespeople you may be interested in reading about. Employers in these industries typically hire
Retail Salespeople. Click on the names to link to their industry profile.
Apparel And Leather Products
Building And Garden Supply Stores
Clothing Stores
Couriers And Messengers
Department Stores And Other Retailers
Eating And Drinking Places
Electronics And Appliance Stores
Food Products
Food Stores
Furniture And Furnishings Stores
Gas Stations And Mini Marts
Health And Personal Care Stores
Motor Vehicle And Parts Dealers
Rental And Leasing Services
Sports, Books, And Music Stores
Wholesale Trade
Source: Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development and Minnesota Department of Education.
