what does the role of a salesperson involve?
The work of a salesperson varies significantly depending on the employer. In a shop, the salesperson is also known as a sales advisor and primarily focuses on serving customers. In a large supermarket, they are more involved in stock replenishment and arranging the shelves.
what is your mission as a salesperson?
Arrange, advise, argue, take payment… The duties of a salesperson are quite broad. They greet customers, provide information, and assist them in choosing products or services. They close the sale at the checkout and ensure customer satisfaction and loyalty. You might also work as a travelling salesperson on behalf of a company. In both cases, your role is to help the customer make their purchase decision without pressuring them, but by trying to meet their needs as best as possible with two main goals: to sell and to build loyalty.
Does working in retail as a sales assistant suit your liking for customer interaction and your persuasive skills? Do you believe you can demonstrate your thorough knowledge of the products you’re responsible for? Find out which skills and qualifications you need to acquire to become a sales assistant.
discover our offersaverage salary for a sales assistant.
The salary of a salesperson is often equal to the minimum wage for an entry-level position, or slightly above it. In the first few years, the salary range is between €30,000 and €40,000 gross per year. This is the fixed amount. A salesperson can also receive bonuses linked to their annual sales targets. An experienced salesperson can thus earn more than €4,000 gross per month. Some companies also pay performance bonuses or profit-sharing, as well as a thirteenth month’s salary.
what are the factors that determine the salary for a sales assistant?
The fixed part of the salary is often higher in large brands, such as those in the luxury sector, for example. It may be lower in smaller shops and more modest retail outlets. This profession allows you to significantly supplement your income through bonuses, commissions, and overtime, depending on your performance and attendance. There are also sometimes differences of up to 20%, depending on the type of product sold. For instance, a car salesperson typically earns more than a sales assistant in a DIY or hardware store.
types of sales positions.
There are different types of sales positions, such as:
- car salesperson
- luxury goods salesperson
- baker's shop assistant
- wine seller
- clothing salesperson
- e-commerce seller
In reality, there are as many types of salespeople as there are product ranges. These roles sometimes have specific titles, such as sales advisor for someone working in an insurance company or a bank. The grocer, on the other hand, is a seller of food products. Job adverts often specify the sector in which the salesperson is expected to operate.
The types of sales positions mentioned here are examples; this list is not exhaustive.
working as a sales assistant.
As a salesperson, you work under the authority of your employer, most often in the very place where the goods you are responsible for are displayed. As a brand or store ambassador, your versatility varies depending on the size of the sales team. Find out more about the daily duties of a sales assistant, how to organise your working hours, and the career prospects available.
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tasks and responsibilities
Responsible for managing one or more departments in a store, you are in charge of the product until the final sale. This involves a number of tasks such as:
- product labelling and marking
- the stocking and restocking as necessary
- the valuation of products and the verification of their expiry date (food products)
- real-time and online stock monitoring
- customer reception and advice
- improvement of best practices with the sales team
- the receipt of orders
- the demonstration of a product
- the maintenance of the sales area
No matter what sales position you hold, carrying out these activities requires a thorough understanding of the product you are selling, its features, and how it works.
This expertise makes you credible and convincing with clients. It allows you to carry out your tasks with confidence.
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work framework
Store sales staff are positioned closest to their merchandise. In contrast, e-commerce salespeople carry out all their work from home, in front of a screen and with a phone in hand. Finally, many companies employ travelling salespeople who visit clients' homes or carry out door-to-door canvassing.
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who are your colleagues?
According to your employer, you might have colleagues who are sales advisors, sales representatives (VRPs), or cashiers. You could also work alongside department managers and other specialists, such as logisticians.
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organisation of work
Most salespeople have a standard working day with regular hours. You arrive before the shop opens and leave when it closes. These hours, tied to the shop's activity, sometimes make it easier to work part-time. On the other hand, some sales staff, for example in wines and spirits, travel to visit clients they have contacted in advance. They are often provided with a company car for these trips. Others work on weekends or Sundays. Their week is shorter, but they live on a different schedule compared to the rest of the population.
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perspectives for development
After a successful stint as a sales assistant, you can progress to a role with greater responsibilities. If you work in a large store, you could become a team leader, department manager, or sector head. In a retail shop, you might aim for positions such as deputy manager, store manager, or branch manager. You could also consider applying to major companies for roles like Customer Relations Manager or even Commercial Director, provided you undertake ongoing training.
getting a signalling technician position with randstad.
By searching for your sales position with Randstad, you benefit from some great advantages, such as:
- a wide variety of companies to work for and opportunities for development.
- an experienced contact to assist you if needed
- a range of opportunities in your sector
- a weekly or monthly salary depending on the position
- permanent contracts, fixed-term contracts, and temporary assignments
Would you like to be employed on a permanent contract? In many cases, working as a temporary sales assistant is a stepping stone towards securing a permanent position. Many companies also recruit their staff directly on permanent contracts through Randstad.
training and skills.
To become a salesperson in Luxembourg, it is essential to possess strong commercial and interpersonal skills to interact effectively with customers and promote the company's products or services. The role of a salesperson is to understand the needs of clients, advise them on suitable products or services, and close successful sales. Having a formal qualification is not mandatory to become a salesperson, but here are the types of training you can undertake and the skills required to work as a salesperson in Luxembourg:
- Training in sales or commerce: this mainly includes the CAP commerce, BTS management of retail units, Baccalauréat professionnel in commerce or sales, or the Professional Title of salesperson. The DAP sales advisor (apprenticeship) also prepares students for a career as a salesperson. These courses cover sales techniques, negotiation, handling objections, and knowledge of the products or services being sold.
- Certificate in Sales Techniques: A certificate in sales techniques can be an additional advantage when applying for a sales role. This type of certification is often offered by professional training organisations and focuses on specific skills related to selling, customer communication, and managing the sales process.
- Time management and organisational skills: Managing time effectively is a crucial aspect of a sales role, as it often involves juggling multiple clients and tasks simultaneously. Strong time management and organisational abilities are essential to optimise customer interactions and achieve sales targets.
know-how and skills.
Many job listings do not specify the type of training required. This means that your future employer is looking for specific skills, rather than a particular qualification. Selling well is both an art and a technique. The best salespeople are those who can combine both aspects of the profession. The key strengths of a salesperson are:
- a detailed knowledge of its product
- the mastery of sales techniques
- the understanding of customer typology
- the perfect mastery of the sales process
- the ability to be sociable and to enjoy interacting with customers.
- negotiation skills
- after-sales support
- the ability to argue in favour of the product
- a mental agility with numbers
- the management of customer inquiries
From a psychological standpoint, you are able to control your emotions when dealing with an irritated client. You know how to adapt your approach depending on each individual you’re speaking to. In addition to these mental qualities, you also demonstrate good physical fitness. Some sales roles can indeed be tiring, either due to frequent travel or because they require standing all day. Lastly, your attire is always impeccable to ensure you make the best possible impression.
FAQs.
Frequently Asked Questions about the sales profession
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is there a shortage of salespeople?
This profession, which can be entered with a short training course, is in high demand within companies. Professionals who can build strong relationships with customers are truly rare. Retail businesses are increasingly investing resources to attract salespeople with a genuine passion for the job. A shop assistant is one of the most sought-after roles.
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how has the rise of the internet changed the profession?
In many cases, customers have seen and compared products online. They know what they want and at what price. They have already completed part of the purchasing process without leaving their home. New technologies have made customers more autonomous, but also more demanding. However, direct contact remains essential.
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what is a satisfied customer?
The customer satisfaction rate is important for a seller. It stems from the belief that the product purchased is of good quality and meets or exceeds their expectations. Another, more subjective factor is the politeness of the salesperson. Customers who are satisfied with their purchase in a store are very likely to recommend it to others.
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what are the best arguments a salesperson can use?
A good salesperson knows how to create a sense of urgency. They make straightforward proposals. They also have a knack for inspiring a customer’s imagination. They put the customer in a situation and invite them to envision themselves with the product (a new kitchen, a new car, etc.). They keep in mind that a customer prefers to feel free to buy rather than pressured into it.
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what is closing?
It's the art of the salesperson closing the deal. It's the final stage of the sales cycle, following the commercial negotiation. A good 'closer' recognises the signals the customer gives, such as asking numerous detailed questions about the product. They know how to interpret a request for a discount. Generally, this indicates genuine interest. One trick used by skilled salespeople is to surprise the customer with a small commercial gesture.
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how to apply for a sales assistant position?
To apply for a sales position, it's simple: create a Randstad account, browse the job listings in your area, then send us your CV and cover letter.
