Significance

• Counter sales are highly important to retail entities. The counter sales person is the employee who directly generates revenue in the store. Counter sales people are primarily responsible for helping customers find what they need, make selections on features, styles or flavor, depending on the product, then handling payment transactions. Additionally, some counter sales jobs are based on commission, which makes it crucial for the salesperson to meet the needs of the customer.
  
  

Function

• Counter sales also includes rearranging and stocking shelves, building displays, ordering merchandise, checking in shipments, counting money in the register and even running register sales reports. Counter salespeople also exchange merchandise for customers or accept returns. Additionally, counter salespeople answer questions for customers and handle their complaints. A counter salesperson is also responsible for keeping her area neat and cleaning the counter periodically throughout the day.
  
  

Considerations

• Counter sales representatives must also be cognizant of security issues and potential theft, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' "Occupational Outlook Handbook: 2010 to 2011 Edition" at bls.gov. For example, most counter salespeople must follow store policies in making sure docks or back doors are closed before dark or when to place large bills in a drop box during their shift.
  
  

Education and Skills

• Most stores prefer to higher counter salespeople with a high school diploma. As for requirements and skills, counter salespeople should have a neat appearance, enjoy working with people and have good communication skills. A counter salesperson should also be honest and reliable, showing up for every shift on time.
  
  

Salary and Job Outlook

• As of May 2008, the average hourly earnings for a counter salesperson is $9.86, including both salary and commissions, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. A counter salesperson's earnings are largely contingent upon what products he sells. For example, counter salespeople who sell clothing tend to make less per hour than those who sell building supplies–$8.94 and $11.95, respectively.
  
  Employment for retail salespeople, including counter sales employees, is expected to grow 8 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.