- 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.
