National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2016 Version 1.1

6 - Sales and service occupations

This category contains retail and wholesale sales occupations and customer and personal service occupations related to a wide range of industries, such as accommodation and food services, travel, tourism and cleaning services.

Sales and service occupations can be linked, for the most part, to formal post-secondary or occupation-specific training programs. Others are characterized by periods of formal on-the-job training. Apprenticeship training is available for some specialized service occupations. Progression from sales and service occupations to positions of increased responsibility, or supervision, usually requires occupational experience and may require completion of related training programs.

64 - Sales representatives and salespersons - wholesale and retail trade

This major group comprises sales occupations requiring secondary school, or more, and experience related to the product or service, or some combination of education, specific courses, product knowledge and demonstrated sales ability. It includes sales and account representatives in wholesale trade (non-technical) and retail salespersons.

642 - Retail salespersons

This minor group includes retail salespersons. They are employed by stores and other retail businesses, as well as wholesale businesses that sell on a retail basis to the public.

6421 - Retail salespersons

Retail salespersons sell, rent or lease a range of technical and non-technical goods and services directly to consumers. They are employed by stores and other retail businesses, as well as wholesale businesses that sell on a retail basis to the public.

• Illustrative example(s)

  • audio equipment salesperson
  • automobile salesperson
  • car rental agent
  • clothing salesperson
  • computer salesperson - retail
  • counter clerk - retail
  • department store clerk
  • furniture salesperson
  • hardware store clerk
  • jewellery salesperson
  • retail sales associate
  • retail sales clerk
  • retail salesperson
  • sales consultant - retirement homes

  All examples

• Exclusion(s)

  • Cashiers (See 6611 Cashiers)
  • Retail stock clerks (See 6622 Store shelf stockers, clerks and order fillers)
  • Sales clerk supervisors (See 6211 Retail sales supervisors)

• Main duties

  Retail salespersons perform some or all of the following duties:

  • Greet customers and discuss type, quality and quantity of merchandise or services sought for purchase, rental or lease
  • Advise customers on use and care of merchandise, and provide advice concerning specialized products or services
  • Estimate or quote prices, credit terms, trade-in allowances, warranties and delivery dates
  • Prepare merchandise for purchase, rental or lease
  • Prepare sales, rental or leasing contracts and accept cash, cheque, credit card or automatic debit payment
  • Assist in display of merchandise
  • Maintain sales records for inventory control
  • Operate computerized inventory record keeping and re-ordering systems
  • May conduct sales transactions through Internet-based electronic commerce.

  Retail salespersons may specialize and act as consultants in home entertainment systems, computers and other products and services.

• Employment requirements

  • Completion of secondary school may be required.
  • A university degree or college diploma may be required by some employers.
  • Specific subject matter courses or training may be required.
  • Demonstrated sales ability and product knowledge are usually required for retail salespersons who sell complex or valuable merchandise, such as automobiles, antiques or computers.

• Additional information

  • Technical or sales training programs may be provided by employers.
  • Progression to retail supervisory positions is possible with additional training or experience.