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Sales Associate Jobs

Sales associate jobs are among the most commonly available positions in the United States. A wide range of large corporations and small businesses need sales associates to offer their products and services to the world. A sales associate position offer exciting opportunities for someone who hopes to obtain management positions in the future.

Responsibilities

Sales associates have several responsibilities and duties. First, they must provide each customer with a high level of customer service. While the main role of this position is to make sales, a salesperson cannot do so without fostering positive relationships. A sales associate must know how to empathize with customers, understand their needs, and offer products that meet those needs.

A sales associate must perform the highest level of customer service while maintaining sales quotas to satisfy the company. It is important to represent the company with a confident and positive personality. Salespeople who display a sense of happiness while working will attract more customers than those with negative dispositions.

Sales associates may have additional duties such as stocking accessories, merchandising the store, cleaning break rooms, and completing sales chart. They must also participate in additional training to stay up-to-date on the latest sales trends and procedures.

Employers

Almost every company has some variation of a sales associate position. Some examples of companies that offer sales positions are department stores, electronics retailers, utility companies, convenience stores, restaurants, and more. Companies always need help selling their products and services, so sales associate positions are usually readily available.

Qualifications

The best part about sales associate positions is that they do not require extensive training or experience. Everyone has the same possibility of landing a sales job, although not everyone will be a good fit for the position. With quota pressure, fierce competition, and consumer issues, these jobs can be quite stressful. The position requires high levels of patience and adaptability. A salesperson must have the ability to shine on the sales floor, even under the worst conditions. A sales position is by no means an easy job, but it can be extremely rewarding in the right environment.

Salary and Benefits

The salaries and benefits sales associates receive vary from company to company. A new sales associate can earn approximately $8 an hour to $15 an hour. Commission, which can vary from $150 a month to $4,000 a month, also depends on the employer in question. Some benefit packages are excellent while others are lacking. The best way to find a good sales position is by conducting thorough research on company culture, former employee experiences, and the company’s overall reputation. A company that garners little negative feedback and offers competitive wages is most likely worth working for.

Last Updated: April 15, 2015