Job Description of a Fabric Cutting Sales Associate
Whether you are doing a home decorating, sewing or craft project, selecting the perfect fabric is an important part of the process. After scouring aisle after aisle for the perfect textile, you will need assistance obtaining the proper length for your project. The fabric cutting sales associate cuts the chosen fabric to its desired length, informs you of the fabric's characteristics and completes your transaction.
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Responsibilities
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Fabric cutting sales associates have a two-part job description. They must know how to properly cut fabrics or textiles and be skilled sales associates. In the most rudimentary sense, fabric cutting sales associates cut pieces of fabric from bolts of fabric to fulfill customers' orders. Fabric cutting sales associates use tools such as cutting machines or electric knives to cut fabrics into appropriate lengths or pattern pieces. Fabric cutting sales associates may also use scissors, also known as fabric shears, and rulers to cut fabric into desired lengths that customers need to complete crafts or at-home projects.
Preferred Qualifications
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Fabric cutting sales associates must understand the makeup of the fabrics they cut and properly conceptualize three-dimensional space. Fabric cutting sales associates' knowledge of the textiles they work with allows them to help customers make informed decisions about their purchases. The sales component of the occupation requires fabric cutting sales associates to perform financial transactions with customers that require knowledge of payment methods, operating cash registers and check out procedures. Fabric cutting sales associates should also possess customer service skills such as patience, politeness and professionalism that will assist them in completing sales.
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Education and Training
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According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are no set education requirements to become a sales associate, but candidates with a high school diploma or comparable achievement may receive preference during the hiring process. Most fabric cutting sales associates learn their job responsibilities through on-the-job training. On-the-job training allows fabric cutting sales associates to become familiar with store policy and the setup of their work area. The duration of training depends on the complexity of the job, the new hire's previous experience and the urgency in which the position must be filled.
Work Environment
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Fabric cutting sales associates may work long or varying hours, especially during holidays or times when sales routinely peak. The work environment is typically a clean, well-lit, small to large store that specializes in crafts, fabrics, or has a section dedicated to one or the other. This type of work environment may be highly stressful during holiday times when most stores receive an influx of customers. Overwhelming amounts of customers, or even a few irate customers can be taxing on a fabric cutting sales associate's work experience.
Salary
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According to Indeed, as of July 2010, a fabric cutter earns an average salary of $26,000 per year. Factors that influence the salary a fabric cutting sales associate receives include the size of her hiring employer's business, the business location, holiday pay, commission, and the amount of time she has held the position.
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References
- Photo Credit fabric swatches image by Empath from Fotolia.com
