what is a salesperson?
As a salesperson, you are a real all rounder in the sales business. Thanks to your training as a retail specialist, you focus on one of the many sectors such as groceries, electronics, or sports equipment. Your job is very diverse, after all, you present products and convince customers through expertise and empathy. If your employer has an online shop, you also take care of that. In sales, you quickly figure out whether your customer will be happy with the chosen product. You advise on the benefits, drawbacks, and trends. As a salesperson, it’s not about selling a product quickly and losing the customer. Instead, you ensure through your advice that they come back and stay loyal to you. It’s really fun for you to repeatedly convince customers anew. Both sides benefit: you achieve excellent sales figures, and your customer enjoys their purchase. Learn more about the role of a salesperson and discover attractive job offers.
sales jobsworking as a salesperson.
Are you curious about what your responsibilities as a salesperson are? Primarily, you'll be dealing directly with customers in retail and providing advice. But that's by no means all. The exact nature of your tasks also depends on your chosen area of specialization. Keep reading to find out what you need to know and be able to do as a retail specialist.
-
your area of responsibility
As a salesperson, depending on your chosen focus, your responsibilities include:
-
Presenting products: As a salesperson, you can showcase the most fantastic products. If they don't interest anyone, they remain unsold. That's why it's important to learn more about customer preferences through conversations and sales promotions. You present the goods or services attractively in retail stores or online shops, making them tempting to buy.
-
Customer service: Your main task is to take care of customers in retail. You handle inquiries coming in through various channels such as phone, email, or in person. In sales, you guide customers to the right products or services. You provide advice on features, benefits, and risks. In some specialty stores, you also process payments directly.
-
Provide shopping experiences: Customers visit the retail stores to experience products or services firsthand. As a salesperson, you greet them warmly, let them try out fragrances or try on clothing. In car sales, you pass the waiting time with a coffee. With discount promotions or coupons, you target bargain hunters directly.
- Guarantee service: Only when customers leave satisfied and come back, are you successful as a seller. A loyal customer reliably ensures further sales. If customers come to you with complaints or comments, take them seriously. Find a solution that works well for both sides.
-
-
who are your colleagues?
As a salesperson, you're used to teamwork. Especially in department stores, there are different sections with specialists. For the perfect consultation and the subsequent sale, various colleagues are responsible. Through what’s called cross selling, you try to increase sales. This is where your colleagues come into play. For example, you sell an additional product alongside the main item the customer is buying, such as gloves to go with a down jacket or grooming products with a haircut. Who your colleagues are depends on the industry and your place of work. In a sports shop, for instance, customer service is also your point of contact. At a car dealership, you work with service technicians.
types of salesperson.
The retail sector offers you a wide variety of industries. That’s what makes choosing your profession so incredibly exciting. Get to know the industry and its nuances in detail. We’ll introduce you to a selection. Pick your favorite industry:
-
Automobile sales: Cars are your passion, and you inspire others with your enthusiasm. That’s why you take the wheel. You identify your customers’ needs and wishes. Thanks to your expertise, you help them find their dream car with the desired drive technology and features.
-
Bakery and confectionery: In this industry, your customers follow their noses. Who can resist the aroma of fresh croissants, pretzels, and bread rolls? You enchant walk in customers with treats from the bakery, whether it's a braided loaf, snacks, or pralines. You also know the ingredients and names of the creations that delight the palate.
-
Consumer electronics: In the field of entertainment electronics, it's all about multimedia for everyday use. Whatever your customer needs for entertainment and communication, you've got it. You're familiar with smart homes and advise on how to connect TVs, printers, and computers. In sales conversations, you inspire your customers with your enthusiasm.
-
Sporting goods: You're a real sports enthusiast and approach this field with a solid amount of expertise. You know exactly which equipment, clothing, and accessories belong to each sport. You're familiar with the gear, functions, and applications whether it's trekking, skiing, or archery. Your advice hits the mark every time.
-
Jewellery, gemstones, and watches: Just like a Swiss watch movement, you bring customers and jewelry together. Today, a watch is no longer just for telling the time, but a stylish and valuable accessory. This is especially true for luxury brands. Customers shine with their jewellery and express their personality. You help them do just that.
- Perfumerie: In this industry, you need a good nose. You’re knowledgeable about fragrances and know how to use them. You can explain the differences between perfume, Eau de Parfum, and Eau de Toilette. You advise customers on which scent notes suit different occasions. Whether it’s a classic fragrance for the business look, fresh scents for leisure, or sensual aromas for the evening, you’ve got a keen sense of smell.
salary as a salesperson.
If you check out the popular job platforms, you'll start as a sales assistant with an average gross annual salary of around 47,000 CHF. That translates to roughly 3,900 CHF gross per month. With a basic qualification as a retail specialist, your pay is a bit higher. Some food and convenience store chains have agreed on minimum wages with the Commercial Association. Depending on where you work, you can earn between 3,600 CHF and 4,500 CHF per month. Over 13 monthly salaries per year, that's between 46,800 CHF and 58,500 CHF. Additionally, some companies in retail offer extra benefits such as higher pension fund contributions, special bonuses for particularly successful years, or longer vacation periods.
-
how much do I earn as a salesperson in a permanent position?
In a permanent position, your average annual gross income ranges between 20,000 and 80,000 CHF, unless the company has agreed on a minimum wage. On average, you can expect a median salary of around 50,000 CHF. When spread over 13 monthly salaries, that’s roughly 3,800 CHF per month. The base salary is based on a full time job with a 41 hour workweek. Your place of work also influences your basic pay. In Zurich and Lucerne, the retail sector tends to pay more than, for example, in Schaffhausen.
-
in which industry do I earn the most as a salesperson?
The retail sector has a reputation for paying significantly lower wages than other industries. Of course, your salary isn't as high as in the ICT sector. However, with your base salary and additional benefits, you can still earn a decent income. The size of the company and any agreed minimum wages also play an important role in this.
vocational training and further education as a salesperson.
As a salesperson, you need to complete basic training as a Retail Specialist. The three year apprenticeship concludes with the federal diploma of competence (EFZ). Right from the start, you choose your preferred focus: consulting or merchandising, meaning a specialty store or a supermarket. You complete your apprenticeship in a retail business. The options are very diverse, with over 20 training sectors to choose from. After successfully finishing your apprenticeship, the entire sales world is open to you. You can specialise further, for example, by taking professional exams as a Marketing Specialist or Retail Expert. You have good career prospects with a higher professional examination as a retail manager or certified sales manager.
position as a salesperson.
You switch and hustle as a salesperson mainly with large retailers, specialty stores, and branch companies. Every business offering a product or service needs salespeople. Whether in the grocery sector, sports retail, or hardware stores, there are interesting positions everywhere. Through Randstad, you can discover top employers across all industries. Are you looking for an attractive position nearby? Read on here.
tips for career changers looking to become salesperson.
With a basic qualification as a Retail Specialist EFZ, you're in demand in sales. Thanks to your certification, you already have a good starting salary. Many companies also appreciate motivated career changers. Depending on the industry, you have good prospects as a Pharmacist EFZ or Customer Dialogue Specialist EFZ. Missing qualifications can easily be gained through further training. You will acquire product knowledge on the job, supported by experienced colleagues and mentors who are happy to help.
career opportunities and development potential as a salesperson.
With your basic education, you have a solid foundation and can grow into sales roles across many industries. With several years of professional experience and further training, a variety of exciting career paths open up. For example, you can specialise or switch to other fields. The main opportunities for further development are in sales related training, such as becoming an Account Manager or Marketing Manager. Advancement into management positions is possible through additional training, commitment, and mentorship.
competencies as a salesperson.
As a good salesperson, you convince people of a product or a service. Important personal skills you bring with you:
-
Communicative: In sales, everything revolves around the customer. It's up to you to make them feel comfortable. You approach them and create a pleasant atmosphere. If the customer is annoyed, you ease the situation. You master the full range of communication skills.
-
Stress resistant: Sometimes it gets hectic. Customers rush into the shop and want to be served immediately. You're stress resistant and can handle the situation. Even in turbulent times, you keep your overview.
-
Subtle: Different customers come into your shop. Some are just browsing and getting inspired. Others come with a clear intention to buy. You're perceptive enough to tell the difference. Sometimes you're asked to advise, and other times you're simply selling.
- Language skills: If you work in a specialised shop in a rural area, speaking the local dialect is usually enough. In a city like Zürich, however, many tourists visit the shops. Knowing foreign languages helps you serve your customers perfectly.
advantages as a salesperson with randstad.
There are many good reasons to work as a salesperson at Randstad:
✓ exciting jobs with well known companies
✓ a reliable contact person whenever you need one, personal advice really matters
✓ attractive employment conditions and good social benefits
✓ continuing education courses and personal development opportunities
✓ clear information in the myRandstad app
✓ do you have a fixed term contract? Often, there’s a chance to secure a permanent position afterwards. Many popular companies also recruit their staff directly through Randstad.
your professional development budget as a salesperson at randstad.
If you work as a production worker for Randstad, you have access to training courses. As part of the TempTrainings program from swissstaffing, you can attend various training sessions. You will get the course fees reimbursed later, provided you pass the course exam. Your Randstad advisor is there to support you if you have any questions. This way, you can acquire additional language skills or job specific knowledge all during your working hours as a sales assistant.
It seems you've provided an empty text. Please provide the content you'd like me to translate into Swiss English, and I'll be happy to assist!
application tips for salesperson at randstad.
Have you found your dream job as a salesperson? It’s not just qualifications and certificates that determine the success of your applications. Careful, error free, and personalized documents will definitely help you in your job search. Here are a few useful tips to improve your chances:
-
1. find a position as a salesperson
Search through the Randstad job offers. If you don’t find a position that’s exactly right for you, you’re still welcome to get in touch with us personally without any obligation or to create a Randstad profile.
-
2. applying as a salesperson
The job ad continues right away: apply online, give us a call, or send us an email.
Make sure your documents are complete:
✓ CV with photo
✓ work certificates & diplomasYou don't have a CV yet or only an outdated version? Create a new layout using a free online free template.
-
3. preparing for a job interview as a salesperson
A good preparation will help you stay calm during the conversation as a salesperson.
Here are some tips for your job interview.
frequently asked questions.
Frequently asked questions and the answers about the profession of the salesperson can be found here.
-
what does a salesperson do?
As a salesperson, you work at large retail chains, specialty stores, and branch offices. You sell products or services across various sectors such as groceries, sports equipment, or jewelry, gemstones, and watches. In doing so, you showcase merchandise and advise customers. Thanks to your expertise and empathy, you convince them to make a purchase and ensure they come back. Find out more about your responsibilities as a salesperson here.
-
how much do I earn as a salesperson?
Your annual gross salary as a salesperson ranges between 20,000 and 80,000 CHF per year. Some food and convenience retailers have agreed on minimum wages with the Commercial Association, so your starting salary is already quite attractive. Your base salary depends on other factors such as education, work experience, employer, and additional benefits. Find out more about this on this page.
-
is sales a good profession?
As a salesperson, you're surrounded by people all day long. If you enjoy that, then this profession is just right for you. An interesting and varied role with good prospects awaits. Customers need to be won over, convinced, and kept loyal. Are you curious about what being a salesperson involves? Then keep reading.
-
is the seller difficult?
No day is predictable in your role as a sales professional. Customers have their needs and wishes. With your intuition for people and your open manner, you handle the challenges effortlessly. You always remain polite and don’t come across as stressed. You manage pressure well and enjoy your exciting job. Find out more about what makes working as a retail specialist so varied.
-
do you need experience to become a salesperson?
With a solid basic education and practical experience, you have good chances at most companies. Several years of professional experience positively influence your salary. Over the years, you acquire increasingly in-depth expertise. This allows you to advise customers in detail. You highlight the advantages and disadvantages of products or the added value of services. Career changers improve their prospects through work experience. Find positions for career changers and experienced professionals via Randstad. Read here to find out which skills you need as a salesperson.
-
what requirements do I need to meet to become a salesperson?
With a three year apprenticeship as a retail specialist EFZ, you have a solid foundation to work as a salesperson. If you're switching from another profession, a qualification in a related field and experience in sales can help. What's important is that you have the necessary skills. Then you'll find the right position that matches your expectations. Discover our offers for salespeople here.
-
how do I apply for a sales position?
Your application as a salesperson is straightforward. Create a Randstad profile and browse our job portal for open positions in your area. Found an interesting offer? Then send us your cover letter, CV, and certificates right away. Need help with your application? Our application tips will guide you to craft a clear and compelling application with ease.
