What's the difference between a sales associate and cashier?

Question

I'm a teen applying for a job and I don't know the difference between the two. What job do u think a teen who has never had a job before start at? Cashier?

Answer 1

Sales Associate is just a fancy name for saying sales person or cashier. Same job , different way to title it, thats all.

Answer 2

There may be no difference.

The only difference may be how the employer views the position and its employees. Also how do you view yourself.

For example: Lets say you apply for a job at a department store and they advertise for a cashier. Another department store advertises for a sales associate. However, the job descriptions are the same. Much of your job will be checking people out at a cash register.

The real difference is that one employer is using terminology which makes the job more appealing. They may do this for all sorts of reasons. Habit picked up from prior managers or they think the terminology attracts better people. Maybe they want to show you more respect and believe words make a difference.

Whatever the case use the words they use.
If the advertised position says cashier use cashier. If the advertised position says sales associate use that wording.

Now for the times that you do not know:
Use sales associate. Using this phrase means you will come across as someone who has a high self esteem and is confident. Now there may be some who see this as pretentious over blown word. No matter, you need to start seeing yourself as a valuable employee no matter what you do. Why work for someone who diminishes your importance?

Keep in mind: Sales Associates can be the local cashier or the person selling high technology pumps to large industrial clients.

So pay attention to the job description.

Answer 3

Sometimes it just depends on the store. At some stores, such as walmart, cashier it mostly just handling the register, but sales associate is helping customers and keeping the store good and working the register when needed. Other stores have a strict line between the two where sales associates never handle the register and cashiers do little with sales floor work. In that case, if you're not sure if you can handle people very well, cashier may be your best bet. If you think you're a great people person and even have some knowledge of the product, then sales associate would be great! Some stores actually determine which position may be best for you based on your interview. However, everything varies from store to store. Personally I preferred cashiering at walmart, but sales associate at clothing stores. Neither is hard for a first job. Good luck!

Answer 4

Cashier Associate

Answer 5

Its better to start off as a Sales Associate. Sales Associate is basically like a salesperson. You learn more about customer service being a salesperson rather then a cashier. Plus writing on your resume as Sales Associate sounds much better then cashier.

Answer 6

You can start out in any position if you have the drive...sales associate is just that...you are on the floor doing sales with customers and perhaps stocking shelves when not busy. If you work on a cashiers job...then you work the cash and may have to stock shelves and do cleaning when its not busy.

Good Luck with you new Venture

Answer 7

most sales associates also walk the floor and help customers with finding things and answer questions. cashiers are just that.

Answer 8

Same job different name.It is a good starting place.Peace.

Answer 9

Nothing , just a fancy name to make you feel important

Answer 10

extremely tough aspect. try searching using a search engine. that will can assist!