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Counter sales representative vs sales associate

The differences between counter sales representatives and sales associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a counter sales representative has an average salary of $33,527, which is higher than the $32,167 average annual salary of a sales associate.

The top three skills for a counter sales representative include taking care, continuous improvement and good communication. The most important skills for a sales associate are customer service, sales floor, and cash handling.

Counter sales representative vs sales associate overview

Counter Sales RepresentativeSales Associate
Yearly salary$33,527$32,167
Hourly rate$16.12$15.46
Growth rate4%-
Number of jobs183,752579,849
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Average age4341
Years of experience--

What does a counter sales representative do?

A counter sales representative is in charge of assisting customers in retail establishments, ensuring an efficient service for customer satisfaction. Their responsibilities include greeting customers to identify their needs, processing orders and payments, answering product inquiries, and offering other products and services when an opportunity arises. They may also address issues and concerns, resolving them promptly and professionally. Furthermore, as a counter sales representative, it is essential to maintain an active line of communication with staff and manager, coordinating at all times for a smoother workflow.

What does a sales associate do?

Sales associates are responsible for promoting the company's goods or services. They are expected to provide exceptional customer service to prospective buyers. They should be familiar with all features of the company's products or services so that they can answer the customers' inquiries. Sales associates also assist customers in processing their checkouts, refunds, returns, and other needs. They should be customer-oriented, and they should have great communication skills. They should know how to sell their products or services to customers. They are considered the company's representatives on the ground.

Counter sales representative vs sales associate salary

Counter sales representatives and sales associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Counter Sales RepresentativeSales Associate
Average salary$33,527$32,167
Salary rangeBetween $26,000 And $43,000Between $21,000 And $47,000
Highest paying CitySan Jose, CANew York, NY
Highest paying stateDelawareNew York
Best paying companySteel & Pipe Supply Co IncBarclays
Best paying industryManufacturingManufacturing

Differences between counter sales representative and sales associate education

There are a few differences between a counter sales representative and a sales associate in terms of educational background:

Counter Sales RepresentativeSales Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 37%Bachelor's Degree, 38%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Counter sales representative vs sales associate demographics

Here are the differences between counter sales representatives' and sales associates' demographics:

Counter Sales RepresentativeSales Associate
Average age4341
Gender ratioMale, 61.6% Female, 38.4%Male, 38.4% Female, 61.6%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 10.3% Unknown, 6.7% Hispanic or Latino, 19.9% Asian, 6.7% White, 55.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.5%Black or African American, 10.6% Unknown, 5.1% Hispanic or Latino, 21.4% Asian, 6.9% White, 55.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.6%
LGBT Percentage4%7%

Differences between counter sales representative and sales associate duties and responsibilities

Counter sales representative example responsibilities.

  • Manage accounts and create invoices via QuickBooks.
  • Receive incoming calls, make outbound calls, and help walk-ins to assist customers with HVAC and plumbing products.
  • Wait on in store customers, using POS.
  • Help service technicians with questions and troubleshooting of HVAC products and equipment.
  • Used prior experience to provide detail technical support and advice for HVAC repairs.
  • Prepare meals, and meticulous detail to cleanliness and smooth functionality for daily use.
  • Show more

Sales associate example responsibilities.

  • Supervise women's department, manage jewelry department, assist customers on finalizing purchases
  • Gain experience with credit cards, mathematics, as well as customer service.
  • Utilize forklift, order picker reach truck, electric ladder, or roll ladders to transfer merchandise to the sales floor.
  • Create Facebook page for Ohco Import/Export division.
  • Increase sales by upselling products and follow up sales calls.
  • Assist customers with the purchase of the perfect piece of jewelry
  • Show more

Counter sales representative vs sales associate skills

Common counter sales representative skills
  • Taking Care, 18%
  • Continuous Improvement, 9%
  • Good Communication, 9%
  • Class Customer Service, 9%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 8%
  • Customer Feedback, 8%
Common sales associate skills
  • Customer Service, 15%
  • Sales Floor, 13%
  • Cash Handling, 9%
  • Retail Sales, 9%
  • Loss Prevention, 7%
  • Basic Math, 5%