Sometimes called salespersons or sales associates, store clerks work in many different types of stores, including grocery, discount, department and home and garden centers. Although the types of products clerks sell vary based on where they work, there are some basic similarities about their duties.

Function

The duties of a store clerk revolve around maximizing sales for the store and maintaining customer satisfaction.

Types of Duties

Store clerks help customers locate merchandise, make suggestions and answer questions. Clerks also total the sales using a computer or cash register and then take payment from the customer.

Features

Store clerks often have goals, such as how many sales they process in the register during a given period of time, how many additional products or warranties they sell or how many store credit card accounts they get customers to open. Meeting or exceeding these goals is typically considered part of clerks' duties and may influence whether or not they receive raises or promotions.

Requirements

Success at completing the duties of a store clerk requires a helpful, outgoing personality, the ability to accurately make change and the ability to listen carefully to customer requests or questions. Although there is no specific educational program for working as a store clerk, most employers prefer applicants with a high school diploma and provide on-the-job training to new hires.

Compensation

As of January 2009, store clerks received an average yearly salary of $26,000 for performing their duties, according to Indeed.com. In some cases, clerks receive commission on sales they make or get bonuses for attaining goals.

Source:

U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Retail Salespersons

Indeed.com: Store Clerk Salaries