Sales assistant

These professionals' main aim is to sell products related to household appliances (which are divided into two categories, large, or major, and small).

Within the overall category of large household appliances, a distinction is drawn between the following two groups: white goods and brown goods. White goods usually include washing machines, dishwashers, refrigerators, freezers, ovens, tumble dryers, cooking appliances, extractor fans and ventilation appliances, air conditioning and heating appliances and heaters, among others. As for brown goods, products on sale generally include televisions, audio and video players, DVD players, Hi-Fis, home cinema systems, mobile telephones, etc.

The most common small household appliances (SHA) are irons, vacuum cleaners, microwaves, small heaters, fans, coffee machiners, toasters, electric razors, hairdryers, etc.
The vast majority of these products require specialised technical advice. Technical sales consultants explain and sell products, and must reach or surpass the sales targets set, following the processes laid out by the organisation. Equally, they must ensure maximum customer satisfaction, offering them advice within the area assigned to them.

These professionals usually report to the store manager or section manager.

• Greet and serve customers when they come into the shop.
• Understand and identify the needs of customers, using relevant technical media and the protocols laid out for each case.
• Inform, advise and guide customers with regards to the products in which they show interest.
• Prepare quotes and estimates for complementary products and services (installation, repairs, guarantees, etc.).
• Serve as the point of contact for the team responsible for installations and repairs.
• Make orders for the restocking of material in the shop. Oversee and monitor product stocks.
• Manage and coordinate the after-sale service (transport, refunds, repairs, etc.).
• Carry out administrative procedures to manage product guarantees and government subsidies (renewal plans) where applicable.
• Deal with complaints and, where necessary, pass them on to the store manager.
• They may take on the role of manager, in the absence of this figure.
• Implement customer loyalty programmes, as instructed by the commercial management team.
• In some companies, they may also be involved in choosing what products the shop should purchase.

Regulated training and graduates

• Minimum compulsory education
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Comerç i Màrqueting: Activitats auxiliars de magatzem (Nivell 1)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Comerç i Màrqueting: Activitats auxilars de comerç (Nivell 1)
• Professionalism Certificate: Sales activities (Level 2)
• Certificat de Professionalitat de la Família Electricitat i electrònica: Manteniment d'electrodomèstics (Nivell 2)
• Professional Training Course(s) in the field of Trade and Marketing - Intermediate Level: Trade activities

Complementary training

Other specific skills

Learning and use of knowledge: Level 1

Planning and organisation: Level 2

Commitment to the organisation: Level 1

Customer orientation: Level 2

Flexibility and change management: Level 2

Customer service

Direct and personal interaction with people and relating to the public are highly-motivating activities for individuals who have an interest in the field of customer service. A focus on people and on satisfying customers' needs is key in the occupations included in this field. These jobs entail the need to know suitable techniques for attending to the public and being able to give appropriate service that is tailored to their needs and expectations. Good examples are activities which offer assistance and guidance during functions, trips or at facilities, and those which provide advice in relation to products and services.

Management

The organisation, administration and control of a company or entity are the main interests of people related to the management field. Activities included in this field of interest vary from effective resource management, feasibility analyses and solving business problems to the development of skills and fostering of motivation in relation to human resources. Knowledge regarding specific techniques of strategic administration and business management are required to carry out these activities.

Shop assistant

Commercial agent

Telesales operator

Conference assistant

Financial advisor

• Work hours

  There is a wide variety of options for this occupation, where hours are concerned, because these largely depend on the area where the establishment is situated (shopping centre, city centre or peripheral neighbourhood), as well as on the type of establishment (street stall, stall at a municipal market, etc.). The opening hours of commercial establishments are regulated by the Law on Business Hours, which sets forth the opening and closing hours for shops, as well as the public holidays on which establishments can open. The usual working hours of 40 hours a week can be done in intensive shifts (in the morning or afternoon) or split-shifts (morning and afternoon with a break at lunchtime). A lot of business is done on Fridays and Saturdays at this type of shops.

• Salary

  Junior: between 14.169 and 19.226 euros annum gross. Median: 16.505 euros annum gross.
  Senior: between 17.134 and 25.797 euros annum gross. Median: 21.023 euros annum gross.
  
  Source: Report "Observatory of Jobs and Salaries of the Labour Market. Barcelona Activa", elaborated by ICSA Grupo. April 2015.
  

• Professional category

  Specialist staff