Marketing, Sales and Service

A/V: NARRATOR (VO): Patience. Compassion. And common sense. These are the most important characteristics of adjustment clerks. These professionals investigate and resolve customer complaints about merchandise, service, billing, and personal credit ratings. Adjustment clerks often act as both judge and jury. Their goal is to accept and fully understand each customer's complaint, then review it and come up with a solution that is within the company's guidelines, or explain the customer's problem to a supervisor view more

When property is being sold, bought, or evaluated for a loan or estate, someone who does not have an interest in the transaction must consider its value. A real estate appraiser provides that objective analysis. The appraiser inspects the property, considers its location, and does research. He or she might interview people who have a connection to the property, and examine public records. Both the condition of the property, and recent sales of similar properties are factored into the calculation view more

It’s amazing for some of us to remember, that we didn’t always have Automated Teller Machines as a ready source of cash. But just as we now take ATMs for granted, we also take for granted that they work—24 hours a day. To help keep them in action, we depend on the unseen work of Automated Teller Machine Servicers. Typically, when ATMs are not working correctly, computer networks alert repairers view more

Bicycles have always been reassuringly simple machines. Because their operations are clearly visible to the human eye, it is easy to see how they work. Being a bicycle repairer doesn’t require a knowledge of computers or electronics. What it does require is an ability to use hand tools to repair, adjust, and lubricate bicycles of many different designs. This requires experience as well as skill, and several months of on-the-job training are usually required to become a competent bicycle repairer view more

Cashiers account for the sale of a store’s merchandise - an important responsibility in helping businesses run smoothly and efficiently. To be considered for this kind of job, a store manager must believe an applicant to be trustworthy, since cashiers are given tremendous faith in safeguarding a business’s money. Duties include weighing produce and bulk food, receiving money, totaling bills and returning any change, and filling out charge forms and giving receipts view more

Our modern world would be far less convenient if we didn’t have the round the clock services of vending machines. Coin-operated machines dispense snacks, food and beverages. They make change and they entertain us. They’re stocked and kept clean by Vending Machine Servicers or Route Drivers, who travel from machine to machine. Drivers follow government regulations to protect food and beverages from contamination view more

Counter and rental clerks facilitate transactions—whether the transaction is a car rental, a video tape rental, or accepting shoes to be repaired or clothes to be dry cleaned. Specific duties vary, but most counter and rental clerks are responsible for answering questions about the product or service being offered, its cost, and rental agreement details. Some may receive incentive pay for selling add-ons, options, or special memberships view more

When a product is sitting on the shelf, it’s easy not to notice it. The job of demonstrators and product promoters is to bring the product to a shopper’s attention. Demonstrators promote sales of a product to consumers. Product Promoters try to induce retail stores to sell particular products and market them effectively. They work in stores, on television and sometimes door-to-door, showing potential customers why a particular item is a must-have view more

From the bread to soft drinks to toothpaste, the products you find on the supermarket shelves have been placed there by one of the legions of driver-sales workers employed by nearly every company with a product to sell in a retail store. In some businesses, a salesperson persuades a store to buy the product, a driver delivers it, and the store owner has the items unpacked and placed on the shelves view more

Today, home entertainment can go way beyond a CD player and a VCR.…to elaborate home theaters. To set up these systems, people often turn to experts: Electronic Home Entertainment Equipment Installers and Repairers. These technicians often work right in the customer’s home, designing, installing and repairing the systems. Components such as large screen TVs can be heavy, requiring physical strength to carry and position them view more

Competition among retail stores has never been fiercer. There are more stores than ever selling the identical products at identical prices, often within a few yards of each other. So where do people shop? Much of the time they pick the store with the most knowledgeable, helpful, and friendly sales people. Since retail sales worker supervisors and managers are directly responsible for a store's sales staff, that makes them very important employees indeed view more

Funeral Directors provide an important service for our society. Also called morticians and undertakers, they handle both the practical details of death, and the emotional needs of a family. They help make a difficult time easier, from arranging for the removal of remains from a home or hospital, to helping a family decide what kind of service to have, writing obituary notices, working with clergy, notifying government agencies, and arranging burial or cremation view more

People have always wanted to look their best, and hairdressers and hairstylists—or “cosmetologists,” as they may be called—have helped them achieve that goal. These professionals shampoo, cut, and style hair. But they may also color, straighten, or curl hair and give manicures, pedicures, and scalp and facial treatments. All states require hairdressers and hairstylists to be licensed, but training and apprenticeship requirements vary widely, so be sure to check before entering a program view more

H-VAC technicians are specialists in "heating, ventilation, and air conditioning" equipment. But a more accurate job title might be "human comfort specialist!" Most people take their comfort in a building or house for granted — until something goes wrong. Only then do they realize that they depend on HVAC technicians to keep them cool in summer and warm in winter. And rarely do they ever understand that that their comfort depends on complex systems of pipes, coils, ducts, fans, compressors, and machines view more

Ever have the washing machine or refrigerator break down? It can really disrupt a household. That’s why dependable Home Appliance Repairers are so important. They’re the people we turn to in order to get broken appliances back up and running. Some repairers work on small appliances, like microwaves and vacuum cleaners. Usually, customers will bring these items into a service shop to be fixed view more

A multitude of fabrics makes up the fashion scene today. Synthetics like nylon and spandex, natural cottons, linen silk and wool, leather, suede and furs…all have one thing in common. Sooner or later, they must be cleaned! That’s what provides an endless supply of customers for laundry and dry-cleaning workers. To stay in business, establishments that provide laundry and dry-cleaning services must train employees to treat each fabric with care view more

As long as human nature includes criminal activity, we’re going to need locks, keys and safes. That means there will be work for the trades people who perfect the precision skills necessary to become locksmiths and safe repairers. We depend on them to install locks and safes, and repair them when they break. We also depend on locksmiths to come and help, when we accidentally lock ourselves out of our car or home view more

A/V: NARRATOR (VO): Manicurists clip, cut, shape, polish, and paint the fingernails and toenails of their customers. But that's only the visible work. Manicurists are really in the self-esteem-building business. After all, when your nails look good, and your hair looks good, you feel good about yourself. The job appears quite simple, but as any successful manicurist will confirm, there is much more to it than clipping, shaping, and polishing a customer's nails view more

The goal of every business is to sell its products. And whether the product is a book, a bagel, or a bottle of liquid hand soap, the same elements are involved: market research, advertising, sales, public relations, and promotions. Marketing supervisors and managers are the people who oversee and co-ordinate all of these activities. It goes without saying that marketing managers need an in-depth knowledge of each of these areas view more

Someone has something to sell. Someone wants to buy it. A simple transaction. The basis for just about every economy in the world. And the source of millions of jobs. Wholesale and retail sales, and services, encompass the marketing of a mansion, and the sale of a fifteen-minute manicure. Anyone with a thing or a service to sell is a part of this industry. So are the people who plan sales, and figure out how much to buy on behalf of a company, or manufacturer view more

Store window displays can be as elaborate as a theatrical production. Or they can be straightforward presentations of what’s for sale—and for how much. But somebody has to put those things in the window! And that person is called a “window trimmer.” The goal is to catch the eye, and make merchandise look irresistible. It’s a job that requires creativity, the ability to work under pressure, and marketing skills—you need to understand what kind of shopper the store wants to attract view more

Modeling looks glamorous. In reality, a model’s life can be very difficult. In addition to keeping one’s skin and body in shape to meet the demands of fashion…you’re always looking for work! Because most modeling jobs only last one day. That’s why models depend on agents to find them work. In return, they turn over as much as 20 percent of their earnings. Would-be models should be wary of schools, and agencies that promise a career for a fee view more

Electro-mechanical devices are the weak link in a computerized world. That’s because, unlike computers, they are based on moving parts. Cash registers, printers, photocopiers, and fax machines have to transport paper past a printing or scanning element. Typewriters, which many offices use to fill out multi-part forms, have printing heads that physically strike carbon ribbons and paper. And where there is movement, there is wear, and, eventually, the need for repair view more

Every time you order merchandise from a catalog, or fax a request for information, your contact with a company is handled by an order clerk. Orders for materials, merchandise or services can come from within an organization or from outside. However, most order clerks receive orders from other companies or individuals. The order clerk serves an important role, since he or she is often a customer’s only direct contact with the company view more

Property or Real Estate Managers are the people who supervise the vital behind the scenes operations of malls, commercial office buildings or apartment buildings. They advertise apartments and commercial space, negotiate leases, pay bills, prepare financial statements and report to the owners on the status of their properties. Managers also negotiate contracts for building services and hire and supervise maintenance and management personnel view more

Snowmaking has dramatically affected the skiing industry. Resorts rely on snowmaking to prepare the trails as soon as it is cold enough and to keep them open all season regardless of natural snowfall. Pump operators create snow by mixing water with highly compressed air. Using pumps, valves, hoses and special nozzles operators cover the ski trails with fresh snow. They move the equipment and maintain it view more

Imagine being paid to shop all day! Purchasers and buyers find the best possible goods at the lowest price for their firms. The successful ones increase company profits and their own salaries. In general, purchasers buy goods and services for company use; buyers acquire items for resale. Buyers and purchasing agents decide which vendor offers the best goods or services, negotiate the price, award the contract, and see that the correct amount is received on time view more

The smart shoppers of the business world are its purchasing managers. They plan and direct a company's purchasing activities, making sure buyers and purchasing agents get the best goods and services at the lowest price. They also ensure that the materials are bought in the right amounts and are on hand when they're needed. That keeps the flow of work on schedule and production lines humming. Purchasing managers often coordinate the work of a staff of buyers and agents, offering guidance and stepping in for the more complicated negotiations view more

It looks so simple: the house is for sale. Someone wants to buy it. But the negotiations, financing and closing of the deal can be very complex. So most people selling real estate, and buying it, work with a broker. Real estate brokers have to be licensed by the state where they’re selling property. They take 30 to 90 hours of coursework about marketing property, zoning and tax laws, inspections, mortgages and other related matters view more

Buying or selling a house is the biggest financial transaction in most people's lives, and real estate sales agents are intimately involved in every part of the process. Some agents specialize in commercial and industrial property, but the vast majority work in the residential market, usually in association with a licensed real estate broker. The broker provides office space and support services while the agent sells the property view more

Forget what you've heard: money does not make the world go 'round. What makes the world spin on its axis is sales, And no one is more central to this process than a retail salesperson. A television commercial can bring a customer into a store, but only a real, live salesperson can close the deal. Retail salespeople are the frontline soldiers in any store, and as such, they are incredibly important view more

Any company with a product to sell needs a talented sales force. The person who directs and coordinates that sales force is the sales manager. From hiring and training, to day-to-day supervision, the manager works closely with every member of the sales team. He or she must be a leader, able to inspire and motivate. As former salespeople themselves, they've usually advanced to management by demonstrating not only superior sales skills, but also a knack for problem-solving and the ability to get along with co-workers view more

There was a time when successful sales representatives needed only a smile, a shoeshine, and a case-full of samples. But today, sales reps have to know a great deal about the technical details of their products--and those of the competition. When selling products such as computers, lasers, microchips, software, space-age plastics, new drugs or chemical compounds, technical sales reps often find themselves on the leading edge of science and technology view more

Protecting property from fire requires a quick response from emergency services. But they can only respond when they know there’s a problem. Rather than wait for someone to call in an emergency, many people choose to install alarm systems that send out an alert, immediately. Alarm systems are also used to protect property from theft—just seeing that there’s a security system in place, can make a criminal decide to choose another target view more

A/V: NARRATOR (VO): The work of a service station attendant varies depending on the type of services the station provides. In many places, attendants spend most of their time in a booth activating fuel pumps for self-service customers, collecting their money, and providing change. Since many stations also sell sodas, bread, magazines, and other items, some parts of the job are identical to that of a convenience store clerk view more

A little luxury millions of people indulge in, every week, is having a shampoo in a barber shop, nursing home or beauty salon. Providing this service is the work of a shampooer. In small barber shops and beauty salons, the cosmetologist or barber might shampoo and treat their customers’ hair in preparation for styling. But in larger barber and beauty businesses, including those in hotels and department stores, this is a separate position, with entry level pay view more

A/V: NARRATOR (VO): Without shipping, receiving, and traffic clerks, many businesses would grind to a halt. That's because these professionals make sure that products get packed, shipped, and delivered as quickly and efficiently as possible. Shipping clerks make sure that orders are filled correctly. They keep accurate records of all outgoing shipments, and may be responsible for determining the best method of transportation to use in each case view more

Skin care treatment is an increasingly important part of the beauty business. Also called estheticians, skin care specialists cleanse and beautify skin by giving facials, full body treatments, head and neck massage, and some kinds of hair removal—such as waxing or electrolysis. Not all skin care specialists provide all of these services; it depends where they work and how they’re trained and licensed view more

Companies, plants and stores use Stock Clerks to receive, sort, unpack, store and keep track of materials or products. Most stock clerks work in grocery and department stores. Stock clerks check deliveries against invoices for accuracy and for damages. The items are then organized, marked and placed into the inventory system. Bar code scanners and computers are often used to track the items view more

Many steps come together to form the clothes on your back. Most styles have made their way down a factory assembly line, being cut, sewn, and pressed by many hands…followed by other garments made from the same pattern. But the most highly skilled of apparel workers, Custom Tailors and Sewers, master each phase of the apparel process to produce made-to-measure garments for their clients. Manual dexterity and good hand-eye coordination are essential qualities for success view more

In the new millennium, businesses will face an ongoing need for people who can reach out to potential customers using traditional methods as well as new technologies. Telemarketers sell products and services over the phone. Working from lists and a script, these telephone salespeople take orders for businesses and ask for donations to charities. They may interview people for opinion polls. Telemarketing jobs are extremely stressful view more

Fine wristwatches are tiny, intricate machines. Repairs and maintenance require the talents of highly skilled watch repairers. Many watches and clocks made today are mass-produced and battery operated. As a result, it is generally less expensive to replace them…than to fix them. But luxury watches, chronographs and antique watches and clocks are a different story. Instead of batteries, they rely on mechanical movements and manual winding springs view more

If you feel you were "born to shop" -- you might enjoy doing it for a living. Wholesale and retail buyers purchase products and commodities for resale to consumers. They have two goals: to buy goods their company can sell at a profit, and to increase their company’s customer base. Buyers do their job well if they consistently choose merchandise customers like and consider a good value. Buyers fail when warehouses and store racks are left with unwanted inventory that has to be sold off at clearance prices view more