Main Responsibilities and Required Skills for Sales Associate

A Sales Associate assists customers in finding the things they want, answers questions regarding the products and pricing, and completes purchase transactions. In this blog post we describe the primary responsibilities and the most in-demand hard and soft skills for Sales Associates.

Get market insights and compare skills for other jobs here.

Main Responsibilities of Sales Associate

The following list describes the typical responsibilities of a Sales Associate:

Abide

Abide by company policies and procedures.
Abide by restaurant's policies and procedures.

Accept

Accept cash & credit card payments for merchandise purchases.

Accomplish

Accomplish every other related task as assigned by the immediate supervisor General requirements.

Achieve

Achieve and exceed minimum sales goals consistently by closing the sale.
Achieve and exceed sales goals.
Achieve Enterprise Selling targets by adhering to Standard Operating Procedures.
Achieve your personal sales goals.

Adhere

Adhere to all company policies & procedures.
Adhere to company attendance and other policies.

Advise

Advise customers on the use and care of the garments.

Answer

Answer customer questions and deliver customer service.
Answer customer questions and help to troubleshoot problems.
Answer customers' questions about specific products / services.
Answer phone calls professionally and generate further interest to the customer who is calling.
Answer phones and field inquiries in a friendly and courteous manner.
Answer questions about our product.

Anticipate

Anticipate the needs of customers while always offering exceptional style advice.

Apply

Apply company policies and procedures.
Apply the safety programs.

Approach

Approach each customer using the 5 non-negotiable Friedman Sales Training Steps.

Arrange

Arrange showroom displays.

Assist with / Assist in

Assist customer in completing required paperwork.
Assist customers in fitting room to ensure proper sizing, color, fit, etc..
Assist customers in store, answer phones and enter orders, Great communication skills.
Assist customers on the sales floor, on the telephone, as well as at the registers.
Assist customers on the showroom floor.
Assist fans with their purchases by sharing merchandise information such as pricing and sizing.
Assist in creating a positive, professional and safe work environment.
Assist in creating visual displays in the store, ability to move and assemble furniture.
Assist in daily maintenance of property cleanliness.
Assist in daily sales process on cash till or assisting on the floor.
Assist in driving our Net Promoter Score (NPS) and other service metrics such as.
Assist in making sure the front of the location and the front desk are always clean and presentable.
Assist in merchandising of store to create the greatest customer experience.
Assist in processing and replenishing merchandise and monitoring stock.
Assist in processing and replenishing—our customers should always see us at our best.
Assist in processing, replenishing merchandise and monitoring floor stock.
Assist in running all "front of house” fitness studio operations.
Assist in setting and maintaining plan-o-grams and programs.
Assist in special projects and other duties as assigned.
Assist in the bi-annual inventory process.
Assist other team members to support their selling efforts.
Assist sales team to greet customers.
Assist staff with periodic or annual branch inventories.
Assist the ASM & SM with inventory management and cash reconciliation.
Assist the customer in checking and loading merchandise purchased at the counter.
Assist with after-sale issues, including onboarding, implementation, collections, etc..
Assist with backroom projects and assignments as requested.
Assist with daily set-up and breakdown of the boutique, and communicate on any maintenance issues.
Assist with inventory maintenance.
Assist with opening / closing of store.
Assist with ordering stock and ensures that shelves are stocked, faced, rotated and properly signed.
Assist with other duties as needed.
Assist with planning and hosting of others.
Assist with receiving the truck, pricing items, merchandising product, and recovering the store.
Assist with replenishment and security tagging of merchandise on the selling floor as needed.
Assist with responses to customer complaints and problems.
Assist with special projects, as needed (i.e. price changes, supporting.

Assume

Assume other duties and responsibilities as assigned to accommodate store operational needs.

Attain

Attain new and used sales quotas by the Sales Manager.

Attend

Attend and participate in store flips.
Attend meeting, sales events and trainings to keep abreast of the latest developments.
Attend retail staff meetings.
Attend to detail while maintaining a big picture orientation.
Attend virtual events and close on publishing, speaking and coaching products.

Balance

Balance following the sales process while being flexible to make adjustments when needed.

Build

Build and maintain new and existing customer relationships.
Build customer relationship.
Build lasting customer relationships based on trust, integrity, respect and high-quality service.
Build our team by welcoming and supporting onboarding of new employees.
Build trust and a rapport with the customers.

Cash out

Cash customers out using POS system.

Check

Check people into the gym and classes.
Check price tags for alterations and monitor aging inventory.

Clean

Clean and maintain all areas of store and equipment as assigned.
Clean coffee bar / snack area, equipment, and stock as needed.
Clean driving record with proof of auto insurance.

Climb

Climb a ladder to reach merchandise and or supplies located above shoulder level.

Communicate

Communicate and follow-up with suppliers, and clients in a professional and timely manner.
Communicate any merchandising, cost control or sales idea to General Manager.
Communicate by phone or email with customers from time of order to time of shipment.
Communicate effectively and write with a bit of flair.
Communicate necessary materials to field, including.
Communicate regularly, effectively and efficiently with all company associates and business contacts.
Communicate the values and brand of Blenders.
Communicate with customers regarding in-store events, new arrivals and promotions.

Complete

Complete accurate and timely contract paperwork.
Complete assigned duties and tasks.
Complete daily operational tasks including maintenance of sales floor.
Complete projects as assigned including stock assignments and keeping the selling floor to standard.
Complete verification of store funds when asked to do so.

Conduct

Conduct assessments to convert prospects into tribe members.
Conduct client calls, sales presentations, and other sales activities.
Conduct new customer orientation.

Consult

Consult and recommend the company solutions which align with the client's needs.

Contribute

Contribute to a positive and fun team.

Co-work

Co-Work with the relevant teams in other Group entities to advance the business globally.

Create

Create a Welcoming Environment.
Create energy and excitement around shared goals and values and acts with integrity.
Create engaging and fun lessons each day.
Create exceptional value in the lives of patients by delivering outstanding experience.

Customize

Customize messages to leads, and maintain a consistent follow up schedule.

Deliver

Deliver a compelling and inspiring brand experience.
Deliver excellent customer service that ensures high levels of customer satisfaction.
Deliver exceptional customer service.
Deliver the best customer experience by outfitting each customer that walks through the door.
Deliver the daily sales goal by flawless execution of the Guest Experience behaviors.

Describe

Describe all optional equipment available for customer purchase.

Design

Design and prepare plan layouts using sketches and blueprints.

Determine

Determine customer requirements and expectations in order to proactively recommend new items.
Determine each customer's vehicle needs by asking questions and listening.
Determine the needs of each lead and qualify them.

Develop

Develop and consult with current customer base.
Develop and drive new growth opportunities within the account base.
Develop and maintain a high level of knowledge about the company's products and services.
Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of the company's product offering.
Develop and monitor action plans for the accomplishment of daily / month sales goals.
Develop collaborative approach in support of close team environment.
Develop into a Sales Group Leader.
Develop, manage a consistent pipeline of qualified opportunities.
Develop prospect lists and prospecting methodologies using company guided priorities and targets.
Develop relationships with key personnel to drive educational activities in societies and hospitals.
Develop sales pipeline to ensure predictable success.

Diagnose

Diagnose and repair devices.

Direct

Direct customers to the correct meeting locations at the correct times.

Discuss

Discuss client needs to ensure they end up with the right unit for them.

Distribute

Distribute and ensure all value add (approved) is on products within zone.
Distribute mail in the in-store post office boxes, and sells CP merchandise, as required.

Drive

Drive sales results and achieve individual and store goals in line with Company initiatives.
Drive the Business & Deliver Results.
Drive the use of digital assets to enhance the customer service experience.

Educate

Educate customers about current promotions and advertisements.

Embrace

Embrace our values & sets an example through his / her behaviors.

Engage

Engage in visual merchandising of displays in the store.

Ensure

Ensure adherence to all company policy, procedures and guidelines.
Ensure all scheduled shifts are completed, including clocking in / out as per guidelines.
Ensure a professional atmosphere by conducting activities in a fair and equitable manner always.
Ensure collateral is up to date and available for hand out to prospects.
Ensure customer needs are met, complaints are resolved and service is quick and efficient.
Ensure customer service is the #1 priority.
Ensure customer service standards are performed daily.
Ensure high levels of customer service and support.
Ensure inventory is invoiced completely and accurately.
Ensure new students have everything they need and know where they need to go.
Ensure product is always available to the customer and represented in a compelling way.
Ensure proper equipment levels are available to minimize lost rentals.
Ensure purchase orders are completed.
Ensure store is clean and inventory is well stocked.
Ensure that special orders are handled efficiently.

Escort

Escort customers to appropriate merchandise.

Establish

Establish a tentative finish date for the job.
Establish new business through set organizational procedures.

Evaluate

Evaluate customer's needs and promote products by demonstrating features and benefits of any product.
Evaluate customers' needs and makes product / service recommendations accordingly.

Execute

Execute other tasks as assigned by Store Manager or Assistant Manager.
Execute store visuals, maintain store standards, process shipped merchandise.

Facilitate

Facilitate any post-purchase product resolution, and accommodate all customers' needs.
Facilitate the sale, don't bother guests with sales tactics.

Fill out

Fill out reports as assigned by management.

Find

Find new customers and have follow-up contacts.

Focus on

Focus on customer engagement and suggestive selling to drive UPT and conversion.
Focus on achieving and exceeding individual sales goals.
Focus on promoting sales by maintaining a strong, visible and positive presence on the sales floor.

Follow

Follow all Company Policies and Procedures.
Follow all operational policies and procedures.
Follow all policies and procedures in the Employee Handbook.
Follow all Salvation Army policies regarding the sale of merchandise.
Follow department procedures for preparing, storing, rotating, and stocking of product.
Follow established cash, check and credit card acceptance procedures.
Follow loss prevention protocols, maintaining security of cash and merchandise.
Follow posted schedules with regard to counter assignments.
Follow procedures to ensure timely and proper completion of all paperwork including write-ups.
Follow specific divisional dress code policy.
Follows training offered by the company and manufacturers.

Follow-up

Follow up on the previous week's 100+ conversations to make sure nothing slips through the cracks.
Follow-up with customers through callbacks, client cards and / or thank-you notes.

Foster

Foster repeat business by building relationships with customers and promoting Saks credit card.
Foster and promotes a cohesive team.

Gather

Gather customer feedback and provide after-sales support when requested.

Generate

Generate maximum sales potential in accordance with the TH Customer Service standards.
Generate proposals and maintain accurate records of all activities.
Generate consistent, proactive sales volume.
Generate weekly campaign reports and monthly / quarterly reviews.

Give

Give a quick factory tour to demonstrate how the homes are built.

Greet

Greet all customers visiting you location.
Greet customers and determine how to exceed their expectations.
Greet customers and / or talk to with customers on the sales floor.
Greet customers, determine needs and ask questions.
Greet every guest entering the store in an energetic, friendly manner.

Guide

Guide customers to looks that flatter.

Help

Help merchandise the floor and showcase new product.
Help monitor the security of all Company property.
Help to maintain a clean backroom and employee area.
Help to maintain a visually inspiring boutique that is compelling to our guests at all times.
Help to maintain a visually inspiring Store that is compelling to our guests at all times.

Identify

Identify and communicate suggestions for improvements.
Identify and eliciting new client opportunities.
Identify low stock levels and maintain inventory accuracy.
Identify opportunities and pass leads to Sales Executives and sales leaders.

Improve

Improve customer's experience and stimulate sales of kitchen designs.

Increase

Increase coverage by targeting operational levels for larger accounts primed by Sales Executives.
Increase the velocity of subsequent clients projects.
Increase units sold per transaction by recommending products to customers.

Inform

Inform customers about new product updates, sales, etc..

Initiate

Initiate tour of the dealership, pointing out value and service of each department.

Input

Input customer information for new lease agreements purposes.

Investigate

Investigate customers' problems and find solutions to resolve issues.

Keep

Keep an updated client database.
Keep abreast of new products, features, accessories, etc., and their benefits to customers.
Keep stock in storage area neat, clean, and orderly.
Keep the store organized and clean.
Keep track of all devices and keeping inventory updated.
Keep track of monthly marketing calendar and tasks.

Learn

Learn quickly when facing new problems.
Learn to overcome objections and thrive in sales situations.

Liaise

Liaise with clients and sales professionals to facilitate corporate access and analyst meetings.

Lift

Lift up to 20 lbs. regularly, including overhead lifting, and up to 60 lbs. occasionally.

Maintain

Maintain accurate records using established OTF sales systems.
Maintain a high level of product and service knowledge.
Maintain all store merchandise presentation and housekeeping standards.
Maintain an awareness of all product knowledge and current or upcoming products / trend.
Maintain and update store appearance.
Maintain an orderly and clean register area.
Maintain an organized and clean kiosk (inventory, cleanliness).
Maintain a polished and well-groomed appearance at all time.
Maintain a positive attitude and is flexible to the changing needs of the customer and the business.
Maintain a positive, supportive and cheerful attitude at all times.
Maintain a professional appearance, demeanor and attitude at all times.
Maintain a professional store environment and communicate inventory issues.
Maintain a professional, well-groomed appearance.
Maintain awareness of all promotions and advertisements.
Maintain clean and full store appearance.
Maintain cleanliness and organization in assigned areas.
Maintain clean professional appearance.
Maintain client records, administrative follow-up and maintain activity log in SFDC system.
Maintain code of ethics, integrity, and passion always.
Maintain detailed homeowner files, marketing materials and show home sales centers.
Maintain excellent visual standards.
Maintain flexibility with schedule to meet the needs of the team and overall business.
Maintain good housekeeping and department recovery standards.
Maintain knowledge of sales, promotions, and policies regarding purchases and exchanges or returns.
Maintain solid product knowledge and keep current with new product releases.
Maintain special order product returns.
Maintain store appearance and visual merchandising standards.
Maintain storefront Weekly.
Maintain strong pipeline management & log activities in the Salesforce CRM.
Maintain strong relationships with existing customers, as well as prospect for new customers.
Maintain strong working relationships with customers.
Maintain the facility, inventory, property, and customer service levels to management standards.

Make

Make follow up calls from sales made and courtesy calls to customers in search of future sales.

Manage

Manage and assist company social media platforms.
Manage contacts and daily tasks using our CRM system.
Manage existing client relationships and deliver outstanding customer service.
Manage inbound marketing opportunities.
Manage several support bookkeepers.

Match

Match packing slips to all purchase orders and communicate discrepancies.

Meet

Meet and exceed customer expectations and drive positive sales growth and Brand experience.
Meet and exceed personal sales plans.
Meet and greet clients with a smile.
Meet and / or exceed personal sales goals and improve overall shop sales performance.
Meet or exceed monthly sales goals.
Meet store sales objectives.
Meet weekly, monthly and quarterly sales quotas.

Monitor

Monitor internal reports from other cross functions to ensure sales alignment.
Monitor inventory and re-stock product regularly.
Monitor inventory to ensure product is in stock - Enter and process customer orders.
Monitor the availability of a sufficient quantity of goods in the showroom, restock.

Motivate

Motivate sales team to achieve great results.

Network

Network with realtors and competitors.

Nurture

Nurture accounts to retain existing relationships and to grow share of business.

Operate

Operate cash register, process money, cheques and credit / debit card payments.
Operate the POS register diligently.
Operate the cash register.
Operate the POS system with ease and collect customer data when required.
Operate tills and deal with all associated procedures such as refunds and returns.

Order

Order wallpaper and blinds for special orders and non-stocked items.
Order taking, cashiering, and assisting in queueing of vehicles for service.

Overcome

Overcome objections of prospective customers.

Oversee

Oversee and Participate in Meetings & Preparation.

Participate in

Participate in monthly Profits & Loss reports.
Participate in staff meetings, as needed.
Participate in stock management and control.
Participate in stock room organization.

Perform

Perform additional duties as needed and assigned by the Assistant and Store Manager.
Perform all assigned cleaning functions in accordance with company policy.
Perform all functions of POS, Receiving and Stock, Housekeeping.
Perform a variety of operational activities as assigned by the Manager on Duty.
Perform a variety of operational activities as assigned by the Store Manager.
Perform effective online demos to prospects.
Perform light store maintenance as assigned.
Perform management duties as directed by the Store Manager.
Perform other duties as assigned, in a timely manner with attention to details.
Perform other duties, assignments and responsibilities as needed.
Perform other tasks as assigned by manager from time-to-time.
Perform post-sale follow-up and support.
Perform register and merchandising tasks.
Perform sales transactions.
Perform scripted and non-scripted events for Guests.

Place

Place merchandise received in designated location for easy retrieval.

Plan

Plan and prioritize daily tasks and ensure the customer is the top priority.

Prepare

Prepare all the necessary paperwork for customers to sign upon delivery.
Prepare and present proposals to customers.

Prepared

Prepare plans and strategies for developing businesses and achieving the company's sales goals.
Prepare and ensure availability of documentary requirements.
Prepare shift reports accurately.
Prepare items to be shipped to customers and vendors.
Prepare the store daily – restocking garments, sizing, folding, style and section organizing.
Prepare updates for Weekly Sales Meeting on prospecting efforts, deals in progress, and won leads.

Present

Present an up beat, friendly, outgoing personality to customers.
Present financial and other data fully and transparently.

Prioritize

Prioritize / escalate client questions and concerns to increase client satisfaction.
Prioritize new opportunities and engage clients proactively on a daily basis.

Process

Process cash desk operations with engagement, efficiency, and accuracy.
Process daily, weekly, monthly, and annual reports.
Process inventory inquiries.
Process purchases, returns / exchanges and special orders at register using POS system.
Process traces and shipping claims.

Promote

Promote Canadian culture and heritage.
Promote our design services and in-home design consultations.
Promote and embodies the company brand.
Promote and maintain excellent relationships with customers, staff and volunteers.
Promote customer service as a value.
Promote the website, store CRM, loyalty program and marketing initiatives / events in place.
Promote the brokerage on social media and other viable media platforms (both online & offline).

Prospect

Prospect for new clients and leverage our existing client base for new product purchases.

Provide

Provide advice about merchandise.
Provide a great experience and build loyalty with every customer, every day.
Provide a high level of customer service with product expertise and selling skills.
Provide all customers with a friendly and positive shopping experience.
Provide and maintain excellent work environment in your store.
Provide an engaging and efficient checkout experience.
Provide an exceptional customer experience by ensuring the customer is always the priority.
Provide best-in-class customer care and elevated service.
Provide consistent personalized service to every customer to meet their individual needs.
Provide courteous professional customer service to all our customers.
Provide customer with information on both established and new products.
Provide excellent selling experience for DIY customer visits and phone calls.
Provide exceptional customer service by ensuring that the customer takes priority at all times.
Provide exceptional Customer service, provide carry-outs, greet customers, process sales.
Provide exceptional service to every person that walks through our doors.
Provide first line assistance on document exception and maturity report research.
Provide honest and confident feedback to customers about style and fit.
Provide information on products to customers and may make product recommendations.
Provide kitchen design assistance at home and store.
Provide professional and superior sales and service to all customers.
Provide support and troubleshooting for customers as required.
Provide the very best in customer service.
Provide training and support to new counter staff.
Provide weekly reports on current and new business prospects and client activities to the management.

Reach out

Reach out and find customers to in the market to purchase vehicles.
Reach out to potential clients to present our products and service offerings over the phone.

React

React to customer complaints, incidents or requests.
Read, write and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos.

Receive

Receive all packing slips.
Receive, assist, and thank guests for their donations.

Reinforce

Reinforce customer's selection and package merchandise with care.
Reinforce buying decisions at the checkout and achieves add on goals including gift card sales.

Remain current with

Remain current with products / trends.

Reorder

Reorder merchandise according to stores buying procedures.

Report

Report any misuse or theft of stock to a member of management.

Represent

Represent our company at various trade-shows, technology shows and seminars.

Research

Research and devise strategies to secure meetings with retailers that should be working with our company.
Research product / analysts and current industry thoughts.

Respond

Respond quickly and resourcefully to customer requests and concerns.

Restock

Re-Stock product and maintain the organization and cleanliness of the sales floor.
Restock recovered merchandise.

Review

Review and follow up on order reports, on a daily basis.
Review guest cards to ensure entry into the community management system.

Sell

Sell all products and services offered by the company and meet all sales objectives.
Sell memberships & gift cards.
Sell memberships, gift cards and upgrades.

Setup

Setup and display products and merchandise through the store.

Share feedback, insights and ideas with the management team.

Ship

Ship and or deliver to commercial accounts.
quests & outbound campaigns.

Stock

Stock and merchandise product.

Store

Store sweeping and cleaning.

Suggest

Suggest and recommend various products.
Suggest appropriate product to customers.
Suggest merchandise based upon observation and guest feedback.

Support

Support an environment of teamwork, trust and collaboration with peers, supervisors and clientele.
Support any corporate or independent licensee program with merchandising activities.
Support Departmental Needs as required.
Support in securing meetings with contacts that align with the company target audience.
Support our focus on customer satisfaction and repeat business.
Support the closing of opportunities brought in by the wider sales team.
Support the Sales Team to manage account coverage.

Take

Take feedback and share it with our product management team.
Take great care and pride in crafting every creation for the client.
Take inventory of the stock levels on a daily basis and replenish items that are low.
Take phone orders to book rental equipment and maintain reservation file.
Take initiative and maintains awareness of store promotions, pricing and special events.

Unload

Unload trucks according to the prescribed process for the store.
Unload trucks and process freight.

Use

Use company order processing system in line with procedures.
Use Company tools to develop strong selling skills and reinforce the brand vision.
Use CRM daily to enter sales notes and update pipeline.
Use heat press and other industrial cutting and manufacturing equipment.

Utilize

Utilize elevated levels of sales and service to maximize sales performance.
Utilize excellent training to become a Mobile Expert.

Verify

Verify all items are available for the customer as ordered and scheduled.
Verify the cars sold to prepare for their delivery to the customers, before the customers arrive.

Welcome

Welcome customers by greeting them and offering them assistance.
Welcome customers to the spa and answer their questions.

Work with

Work and collaborate with service departments to deliver top customer service.
Work areas are separated by a minimum of 2 metres, and all areas are cleaned regularly.
Work closely with inbound sales team to hand off leads once qualified.
Work closely with internal stakeholders.
Work in a small team alongside the company's president.
Work in a team setting with the shared goal of maximizing store sales.
Work is closely supervised and specific direction provided by more experienced staff.
Work is regularly performed in both a traditional office setting and open sales floor workspace.
Work professionally with fellow sales specialists in a team environment.
Work to meet the production goals for the store each day as needed.
Work under tight deadlines using personal initiative without close supervision.
Work well in a team environment, create energy and excitement around shared goals and values.
Work with all departments to ensure accurate and timely information is passed along to customers.
Work within defined position limits as well as established company policies.
Work with small manual tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc.) on a regular basis.
Work with your colleagues to drive traffic into the store and boost sales.

Most In-demand Hard Skills

The following list describes the most required technical skills of a Sales Associate:

Customer Service
Retail
Sales
Standing
Bending
Climbing Ladders
Reach
Stand for Long Periods of Time
Walk
Customer
Awareness Of Store Sales Plans
Visual Presentation Standards
Lift A Minimum Of 40 Pounds
Store Management
Brand Ambassador
Telecommunications
Curiosity About Technology
Customer Service Responsibilities
Kneeling
Squat For Prolonged Periods
Stooping
Retail Sales
Walking
Sales Floor
Carry Up To 2O Pounds
Store Merchandise
Replenish Merchandise
Maintaining Displays
Stockroom Organization
Retail Background
Carrying

Most In-demand Soft Skills

The following list describes the most required soft skills of a Sales Associate:

Flexible
Conduct
Work rotating hours, as assigned by management
Interpersonal skills
Organizational capacity
Time-management
Work a flexible schedule
Listener
Self-motivated
Awareness of individual contribution to business results
Build relationships
Commitment
Overcome objections
Work weekdays
Friendly
Change and company initiatives
Embraces innovation
Passion for the brand
Sense of pride
Courteously
Respectfully
Store team professionally
Ambitious
Build relationships with customers
Bilingualism
Team player
Enthusiastic
Professional maturity
Creative
Customer-centric