BOOKSELLER JOB

The main role of a bookseller is to sell books. A successful bookseller is able to work with a variety of customers, helping them locate what they are looking for, and offering advice on other products available. The work is largely based on the shop floor. Booksellers need to be familiar with, and be able to promote their stock. They use mainly electronic search methods to locate and order books.

The exact nature of the job may differ depending upon whether it is based in a specialist bookshop or a non-specialist shop, where books may form only part of the stock. Dealing with enquiries and identifying customer needs. Offering advice, where appropriate. Undertaking bibliographic work to identify and locate titles (some printed sources may be used but, more typically, this will involve electronic searches using a computer).selling to a variety of customers. Handling payments - in many shops, this will require the use of electronic point of sale (EPOS) technology. Setting budgets. Processing customer orders.

Processing book reservations. Dealing with mail order, email and web-based orders, although this will only apply in certain businesses. Processing book deliveries and returns. Stock-checking books and, depending on the shop, other merchandise. Buying from catalogues and publishers' representatives - the extent to which bookselling staff are involved in buying stock varies a great deal from shop to shop. Negotiating prices with sellers. Creating in-store and window displays.

Undertaking general housekeeping, such as unpacking, stock replenishment and tidying. Teaching and library staff on set texts in academic shops. With other external account holders, for example schools, councils, and companies. Reviewing sales performance and meeting sales targets. Helping with book events, including organizing talks, signing sessions and reading groups. With increased responsibility, the role will become more operations and business-orientated. For those at higher levels, the work will also involve. Dealing with staffing issues and training needs.