Career in Retail, Retail Salaries, Retail Benefits and more on Mywage Zimbabwe
By Wongai Zhangazha
The retail sector has been steadily growing.
The introduction of multiple currencies has brought about a high demand for competent salespersons and cashiers. Salaries may not be astronomical, but for those who get paid on a commission basis, there is the chance to better one’s basic salary.
For Eustina Chihwa, a cashier at Art Corporation located in the central business district, it is getting paid and trading in US dollars (as opposed to Zimbabwean dollars) that makes her work exciting.
Salaries
Eustina sells stationery to various businesses, government and schools. Her salary is US$150 per month. She adds: “For working overtime during the weekend, especially when we do the stock take, we are given US$15.”
Duties
According to Eustina her duties are totaling bills on a cash register, receiving money, making change, filling out charge forms and giving receipts. She is assigned to a register at the beginning of her shift and given a drawer containing a specific amount of money with which to start her till. She counts her till to ensure that it contains the correct amount of money and adequate supplies of change. Sometimes Eustina handles returns and exchanges and ensures that returned merchandise is in good condition, and she also determines where and when such merchandise was purchased and what type of payment was used.
Requirements
Cashiers do not necessarily require the requisite of a good pass of at least five subjects of the Zimbabwe School Examinations Council (Zimsec) ordinary level examinations, although it will depend on the organisation one works for. Usually one needs little or no work experience as one is trained on the job. For a sales representative, a good pass for at least five (including maths and English) Zimsec ordinary level examination is a requirement including a diploma or certificate in marketing.
Working conditions
At Art Corporation Eustina usually works between 8am and 5pm from Monday to Friday and on Saturday she works half day. Eustina is not on full medical aid coverage.
Tips for being a good cashier
It can be stressful to deal with the occasional demanding or irate customer. The tip however is to learn not to take it personally. “Learn to handle the situation professionally and everything will be fine,” says Human Resource specialist Ntando Moyo.
A cashier can see herself rising to a sales person position or even to being a shop manager. Many cashiers have risen to levels like head cashier or cash-office assistant.
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