More stores are installing computer terminals that register sales, adjust inventory figures, and do simple calculations. This equipment makes the employee's work simpler and lets them concentrate on customer service. Salespersons may help order merchandise, stock shelves or racks, mark price tags, take inventory and prepare displays. In jobs selling things such as food, hardware, linens and housewares, Salespersons usually only take payments and bag purchases. Most Salespersons work in clean, comfortable, well-lit retail stores or showrooms.
Salespersons are on their feet a lot.
Often, they must bend, lift, and stretch in order to arrange, store, or display merchandise. A medium amount of stamina, strength, and flexibility is often needed. Salespersons will sometimes have to deal with impatient, rude, and other difficult customers. They should have tact, patience, and be able to deal with this sort of thing peacefully in order to make a sale or handle a complaint or return. The California Projections of Employment, published by the Labor Market Information Division of the Employment Development Department, estimates that the number of Retail Salespersons in California will reach 511,830 by 2005, an increase in new jobs of 109,020 over the number there was in 1993.