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Retail salespersons (NOC 6421)

Occupation targeted by the Workplace Apprenticeship Program

Please note that detailed information for each of the occupations under the Workplace Apprenticeship Program is only available in French.

Job titles

  • aluminum products salesperson - retail
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  • appliance salesperson - retail
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Nature of work

Retail salespersons sell, rent or lease a range of technical and non-technical goods and services directly to consumers. They are employed by stores and other retail businesses, as well as wholesale businesses that sell on a retail basis to the public.

Fields of interest

  • Working in sales and customer service

Main duties

  • Retail salespersons perform some or all of the following duties:
  • - Greet customers and discuss type, quality and quantity of merchandise or services sought for purchase, rental or lease
  • - Advise customers on use and care of merchandise, and provide advice concerning specialized products or services
  • - Estimate or quote prices, credit terms, trade-in allowances, warranties and delivery dates
  • - Prepare merchandise for purchase, rental or lease
  • - Prepare sales, rental or leasing contracts and accept cash, cheque, credit card or automatic debit payment
  • - Assist in display of merchandise
  • - Maintain sales records for inventory control
  • - Operate computerized inventory record keeping and re-ordering systems
  • - May conduct sales transactions through Internet-based electronic commerce.
  • * Retail salespersons may specialize and act as consultants in home entertainment systems, computers and other products and services.

Main characteristics of the occupation

Not available for this occupation.

Employment requirements

  • * Completion of secondary school may be required.
  • * A university degree or college diploma may be required by some employers.
  • * Specific subject matter courses or training may be required.
  • * Demonstrated sales ability and product knowledge are usually required for retail salespersons who sell complex or valuable merchandise, such as automobiles, antiques or computers.

Skill type

  • Sales and service occupations

Skill level

  • Intermediate

More information

  • * Technical or sales training programs may be provided by employers.
  • * Progression to retail supervisory positions is possible with additional training or experience.

Job titles - Classified elsewhere

Professional associations