Salespeople sell products to the public. They must have a thorough knowledge of the products being sold to be able to answer the customer's questions about the products and demonstrate how they work and how they should be used.
Salespeople show various models and colours of the products and make suggestions in line with the customer's requirements.
They make out sales slips and invoices, take cash payments and return change and receipts. Sometimes salespeople fill out hire purchase documents and have them duly signed. They might also be required to handle product returns or exchanges and trade-ins, and places orders for items not in stock.
Satisfying Aspects
- good employment opportunities
- company discounts
- working with people
- working without constant supervision
Demanding aspects
- being on your feet most of the day
- being paid on a commission basis
- dealing with difficult customers
- having to cope with very slow or very busy periods
Requirements
A salesperson should:
- enjoy working with people;
- be tactful and courteous;
- have a pleasant personality;
- be able to communicate well (preferably in different languages);
- have a neat appearance;
- be honest in dealings;
- be assertive;
- have good health and stamina;
- have clear speech to be easily understood.
School Subjects
Grade 10 Certificate
National Senior Certificate is recommended
Compulsory Subjects: None
Recommended Subjects: Mathematics, Business Science, Accounting, Economics
Training
Although no specific training course is required for this occupation, the science and art of selling today has become so finely developed that a truly good salesperson deserves the description "professional".
Entry requirements, like the nature of the work, depend on the type of product offered by the firm.
A salesperson usually starts the career as a clerk, shop assistant, cashier or learner and later undergoes in-service training.
Employer
- Large or small retail shops
- Wholesale establishments
Contact
Any of the wide range of firms employing salespeople