Salesperson




Lessons from the Best Salesman in the World



Salesperson is One whose main activity is selling a product, service, or investment. Salespersons in many industries (real estate, insurance, securities) must be licensed.


Good employment opportunities are expected because of the need to replace the large number of workers who leave the occupation each year. Many salespersons work evenings and weekends, particularly during peak retail periods. Employers look for people who enjoy working with others and who have good communication skills, an interest in sales work, a neat appearance, and a courteous demeanor. Although advancement opportunities are limited, having a college degree or a great deal of experience may help retail salespersons move into management positions.


Whether selling shoes, computer equipment, or automobiles, retail salespersons assist customers in finding what they are looking for. They also try to increase sales by describing a product's features, demonstrating its uses, and promoting its value.

In addition to selling, many retail salespersons—especially those who work in department and apparel stores—conduct financial transactions with their customers. This usually involves receiving payments by cash, check, debit card, or credit card; operating cash registers; and bagging or packaging purchases. Depending on the hours they work, retail salespersons may have to open or close cash registers. This work may include counting the money in the register and separating charge slips, coupons, and exchange vouchers. Retail salespersons also may have to make deposits at a cash office. (Cashiers, who have similar duties, are discussed elsewhere in the Handbook.) In addition, retail salespersons may help stock shelves or racks, arrange for mailing or delivery of purchases, mark price tags, take inventory, and prepare displays.

For some sales jobs, particularly those involving expensive and complex items, retail salespersons need special knowledge or skills. For example, salespersons who sell automobiles must be able to explain the features of various models, the manufacturers' specifications, the types of options and financing available, and the details of associated warranties. In addition, all retail salespersons must recognize security risks and thefts and understand their organization’s procedure for handling such situations—procedures that may include notifying security guards or calling police.

Work environment. Most retail salespersons work in clean, comfortable, well-lit stores. However, they often stand for long periods and may need supervisory approval to leave the sales floor. They also may work outdoors if they sell items such as cars, plants, or lumber yard materials.

The Monday-through-Friday, 9-to-5 workweek is the exception rather than the rule for retail salespersons. Many salespersons work evenings and weekends, particularly during holidays and other peak sales periods. The end-of-year holiday season often is the busiest time, and as a result, many employers limit the use of vacation time between Thanksgiving and the beginning of January.

This occupation offers opportunities for both full-time and part-time work. About 34 percent of retail salespersons worked part time in 2008. Part-time opportunities may vary by setting, however, as many who sell big-ticket items are required to work full time.


March 2 is National Salesperson Day. It's a time to celebrate the more than 14 million people who sell for a living. But even if you don't have the word "sales" in your job description, we all need to recharge our "batteries" to perform at peak performance.

We have just the prescription to fuel your passion—our 3-minute movie on :



The Simple Truths of Selling


Salesperson Ideas


The Best of Success Movie
The Best Way Out Is Always Through
The 100/0 Principle Movie
Movie Gallery
Simple Truths Collections Customer Love Movie
The Power of Kindness Movie
Attitude is Everything Movie
Inspirational Dashboard
Secrets of the World Class movie If Life Is A Game...These Are The Rules.
Goals Movie
What's the Big Idea? Movie
Finish Strong
Richest Man in Town The Strangest Secret
The Power of Attitude
Inspiration 365
Beautiful photographs and inspirational words set in a high quality 5"x7" wood frame with black lacquer finish and attractive felt back. Packaged in a convenient black gift box with gold cord.


Zig Ziglar - Secrets for Closing the Sale - "The Shame Close"




Return to home page