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Customer sales associate vs general sales associate

The differences between customer sales associates and general sales associates can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a customer sales associate has an average salary of $37,024, which is higher than the $29,328 average annual salary of a general sales associate.

The top three skills for a customer sales associate include sales floor, customer satisfaction and customer service. The most important skills for a general sales associate are POS, work ethic, and food preparation.

Customer sales associate vs general sales associate overview

Customer Sales AssociateGeneral Sales Associate
Yearly salary$37,024$29,328
Hourly rate$17.80$14.10
Growth rate-4%-
Number of jobs415,981383,009
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Average age4041
Years of experience12-

What does a customer sales associate do?

A customer sales associate specializes in handling and communicating with customers to secure sales in a retail store. Their primary responsibilities revolve around greeting clients, responding to inquiries, providing assistance, and even offering suggestions when necessary. Aside from ensuring customer satisfaction, it is also their responsibility to maintain the cleanliness and order on the sales floor by re-stocking shelves and arranging them to look presentable. Furthermore, a customer sales associate must coordinate with other sales floor members and report to a manager or supervisor.

What does a general sales associate do?

The job of a general sales associate is to provide great customer service and increase the revenue of a business. They sell products and services and help customers find the right product. Depending on the retail store, their responsibilities may involve organizing store shelves, answering customers' questions, ringing up purchases, operating the cash register, and greeting customers. They may also be expected to take full charge of the managing of all financial transactions and balancing drawers.

Customer sales associate vs general sales associate salary

Customer sales associates and general sales associates have different pay scales, as shown below.

Customer Sales AssociateGeneral Sales Associate
Average salary$37,024$29,328
Salary rangeBetween $27,000 And $49,000Between $21,000 And $39,000
Highest paying CityOdenton, MDWashington, DC
Highest paying stateMarylandHawaii
Best paying companyJohnson ControlsKaufman Dolowich & Voluck
Best paying industryReal EstateAutomotive

Differences between customer sales associate and general sales associate education

There are a few differences between a customer sales associate and a general sales associate in terms of educational background:

Customer Sales AssociateGeneral Sales Associate
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 41%Bachelor's Degree, 36%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common college--

Customer sales associate vs general sales associate demographics

Here are the differences between customer sales associates' and general sales associates' demographics:

Customer Sales AssociateGeneral Sales Associate
Average age4041
Gender ratioMale, 50.6% Female, 49.4%Male, 60.2% Female, 39.8%
Race ratioBlack or African American, 11.1% Unknown, 5.5% Hispanic or Latino, 20.5% Asian, 7.0% White, 55.2% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.8%Black or African American, 9.6% Unknown, 5.6% Hispanic or Latino, 18.5% Asian, 7.2% White, 58.4% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7%
LGBT Percentage7%7%

Differences between customer sales associate and general sales associate duties and responsibilities

Customer sales associate example responsibilities.

  • Manage cash balances and inventory stock accurately; ensure cleanliness of all work stations and guarantee excellent customer service.
  • Process merchandise information through store computer system, POS register system, and complete all require paperwork according to policy.
  • Used mobile POS systems to streamline the customer experience in order to drive full engagement throughout entire interaction with customer.
  • Provide above average service to customers by bagging groceries appropriately and assist with carryout and loading merchandise into customer's vehicle.
  • Recognize opportunities to up-sell and often take the opportunity to do so to create a better Marriott experience and event.

General sales associate example responsibilities.

  • Supervise women's department, manage jewelry department, assist customers on finalizing purchases
  • Exhibit rudimentary math skills and advance communication skills when efficiently cashiering in a fast pace environment.
  • Perform minor repairs on Kohl's jewelry like changing watch batteries and removing watch links.

Customer sales associate vs general sales associate skills

Common customer sales associate skills
  • Sales Floor, 12%
  • Customer Satisfaction, 9%
  • Customer Service, 9%
  • Product Knowledge, 8%
  • Outbound Calls, 8%
  • Customer Sales, 8%
Common general sales associate skills
  • POS, 15%
  • Work Ethic, 14%
  • Food Preparation, 11%
  • PowerPoint, 10%
  • Customer Service, 10%
  • Lead Generation, 9%

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