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Salesperson: Easy Reading Job Profiles - alis
Salespersons sell things to customers. They help customers.
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Easy Reading Job Profiles

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Salesperson

Sell things to people

Other names for this job

  • Customer Service Representative
  • Sales Clerk
  • Store Clerk

Word Meanings

Do you see red words on this page? Click or tap these words to learn what they mean. Or visit the Easy Reading Dictionary.

What do salespersons do?

Salespersons sell things to customers. They help customers. Salespersons work in many kinds of stores. For example, clothing stores, bookstores and home improvement stores. Salespersons may work part time or full time.

Meet a salesperson

Dev is a salesperson. He works in a small home improvement store. It sells tools and building supplies.

Here are things that Dev does:

  • He says hello to customers. He asks, “Can I help you?”
  • He shows tools and supplies to customers.
  • He asks questions about what customers need. He answers their questions. He tells customers about sales.
  • He talks to customers about prices. He tells them if prices are lowered.
  • He tells customers how to take care of the things they buy.
  • He uses a cash register and a credit card machine.
  • He puts items in a bag or a box. He asks if they want someone to deliver their item.
  • Sometimes customers return things. He gives them a refund.
  • He gets tools and supplies from the stockroom. He puts them on the shelves.
  • He puts things on shelves. He makes the shelves look nice. He keeps the store clean and tidy.
  • He answers the phone. He opens the store in the morning. He closes it at night.
  • At the end of his shift, he counts the money in the cash register.
  • Strength Required Lift up to 10 kg

What is a salesperson’s work like?

Dev works inside the store. He works part time. He works evenings and weekends.

Dev wears a uniform shirt and a name tag. Dev has to stand and walk a lot at work. He has to lift tools and supplies. These things may weigh up to 10 kilograms (about 20 pounds).

Dev has to know about tools and building supplies. Customers ask him questions. For example, “How do I use this tool?”

Do you want to be a salesperson?

  • You need to be clean. For example, your hair must be clean and tidy. Your hands and fingernails must be clean.
  • You might have to wear a uniform.
  • You must work with numbers and prices. You have to be quick. You must be correct.
  • You have to be polite to the customers. Sometimes you need to be patient with them.
  • You need to work well under pressure. For example, sometimes Dev is very busy. Many customers want his help.
  • You have to be able to plan your time. For example, you have to decide what to do first.
  • You might have to lift things that weigh up to 10 kilograms (15 pounds).

What education do salespersons need?

It is good for salespersons to have a high school diploma. In small stores, salespersons learn on the job. Large stores have their own training programs.

If you have post-secondary education, you might get a good promotion. If you want to sell something technical, like computers, you should know about them.

What can salespersons do in the future?

Salespersons can work in many kinds of stores. Some salespersons sell things on the telephone. They have to speak clearly. They have to talk about different products or programs.

Salespersons with experience may become supervisors. Salespersons with post-secondary education may become managers.

How much does a salesperson make?

As of June 26, 2019, the minimum wage in Alberta is $15.00 per hour for most workers. For more information, see Minimum Wage.

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You can ask your career advisor or tutor about other jobs that are like salesperson.

Do you want more information?

Do you want more information? You can ask your career advisor or tutor for help.

You will see some red words on this page. Click or tap these words to learn what they mean. Or visit the Easy Reading Dictionary.

For career advisors

Updated Oct 16, 2024. The information contained in this profile is current as of the date shown.

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