Salesmen Job Description

Salespeople are usually the people persons of a business or company who approach customers to answer questions, concerns and, of course, try to make a sale. Salespeople usually work in retail and interact with customers on a daily basis.

Purpose

Although a salesperson will want to ultimately make a sale, salespeople must also assess customers' needs, show them a variety of products and answer all questions relating to the product or service.

Skills

Salespeople need excellent communication skills, patience, determination and interpersonal skills. Salespeople lacking any of these qualities may put off customers.

Retail

Retail salespeople usually work for large department stores. These can be sporting outlets, clothing stores or material and supplies stores.

Auto

Car salespeople often work at a dealership with other salespeople. Because the sales of vehicles are more of a commitment than just buying a department store product, car salespeople will usually spend more time with a customer and be expected to answer a variety of questions. If a sale is conducted, they must also oversee the financial aspects.

Salary

Salary varies from salesperson to salesperson. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of May of 2008, a retail salesperson at a department store earned $9.86 an hour depending on experience, and $18.91 an hour if they work at an auto dealer. This included commissions.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Retail Salesperons
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Automobile Dealers