Find out everything you need to know about becoming a Bookseller.
Job Title – Bookseller
Description
A Bookseller sells books to people and help the customers of a bookstore (or any establishment that sells books) find the paperbacks, hardbacks and magazines that they’re looking for.
Typical Job Activities
Serves a range of customers
Deals with enquiries and identifying customer needs
Offers advice and recommending books, where appropriate
Maintains up-to-date knowledge of current titles and changes in the market
Undertakes bibliographic work using computer or print sources to identify and
locate titles
Processes customer orders and book reservations
Deals with mail order, email and web-based orders - although this applies only
in certain businesses
Handles payments by cash, credit card and using book tokens - in many shops
this will require the use of electronic point of sale (EPOS) technology
Buys from catalogues and publishers' representatives - although the extent to
which bookselling staff are involved in buying stock varies a great deal from
shop to shop
Negotiates prices with sellers
Pays and processing invoices
Processes book deliveries and returns
Checks stock, books and, depending on the shop, other merchandise
Creates in-store and window displays
Maintains commercial awareness including identifying business and promotional
opportunities
Helps with book events, including organising talks, signing sessions and
reading groups
Liaises with teaching and library staff on set texts in academic shops
Liaises with other external account holders, for example schools, councils and
companies
Reviews sales performance and meeting sales targets
Undertakes general housekeeping duties, such as unpacking, stock replenishment
and tidying
Does this sound like a career for you? Browse jobs in the retail industry here.
Related Occupations
Sales
consultant
Admin
assistant
Store
assistant
Customer
service agent
Shop
assistant
Sales
representative
Educational Requirements
Senior Certificate with matric
exemption for a BA degree in Literature or Library Sciences
Senior Certificate for a
certificate in marketing or sales
Compulsory subjects:
Languages
Recommended subjects: History
What natural skills and/or aptitudes do I need for this occupation?
Have excellent
communication skills
Have the ability and confidence to deal with a range of people
Have organisational skills
Have good time management skills
Have a good teamworking ability
Be able to work under pressure
Have good general knowledge
Have an interest in books
Have commercial awareness
Have an interest in, and knowledge of, the bookselling sector
Be able to multitask
Improve your skills and knowledge by completing an online course through Udemy.
Employment Opportunities
Moderate
Market Competitiveness
Moderate
Income Potential
Moderate
Self-Employment Opportunities
High
International Employment Opportunities
Moderate
Possible Employers
Book stores
Antique Book shops
Local and national press
Browse companies hiring now.
Relevant Contact Details
South African Booksellers Association
https://www.sabooksellers.com/
Southern African Book Dealers Association
www.sabda.co.za/
Career Progress and Path
Experience in specific field
Work performance
Possible Career Paths
Specialist career in the specific field
Freelance
Employment Stability
Moderately stable
Reasons to consider this career
I can be of
service to people
I can work with languages
I can apply my special skills
I can communicate and interact with people
