BOOKSELLER DUTIES/FUNCTIONS/RESPONSIBILITIES
dealing with mail order, email and web-based orders - although this applies only in certain
businesses;
handling payments by cash, credit card and using book tokens - in many shops this will require
the use of electronic point of sale (EPOS) technology;
stock-checking books and, depending on the shop, other merchandise;
creating in-store and window displays;
maintaining commercial awareness including identifying business and promotional opportunities;
serving a range of customers;
maintaining up-to-date knowledge of current titles and changes in the market;
undertaking bibliographic work using computer or print sources to identify and locate titles;
processing customer orders and book reservations;
helping with book events, including organising talks, signing sessions and reading groups;
liaising with teaching and library staff on set texts in academic shops;
liaising with other external account holders, for example schools, councils and companies;
reviewing sales performance and meeting sales targets;
undertaking general housekeeping duties, such as unpacking, stock replenishment and tidying.
dealing with enquiries and identifying customer needs;
offering advice and recommending books, where appropriate;
buying 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;
negotiating prices with sellers;
paying and processing invoices;
processing book deliveries and returns;
With increased responsibility, the role becomes more operations and business-orientated. For
those at higher levels, the work also involves dealing with staffing and training, budget setting
and reporting sales and budget figures.