Record Store Clerk

$17,000 to $25,000+

Music Store Cashier, Sales Person

Sell records, CD's, and merchandise, assist customers in helping them find what they are looking for.

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Record Store Clerks work in record stores or music departments of department stores, and their main responsibility is to sell CDs, DVDs, recording equipment, supplies, music videos, posters, and music magazines. Other functions performed by the Record Store Clerk include assisting customers, because patrons often times need help locating a certain album or help with deciding what album they should buy for themselves or someone else. Once a customer decides to make a purchase, the clerk will ring them up at the register, handle their money, and gift wrap the item if necessary.

If an item is not in stock, the Music Store Salesperson will take down information for special orders and will then pass the information on to the Record Store Manager so he or she can place the order. Sometimes, the Record Store Manager supervises the Store Clerk while they receive new store stock. The Clerk will then count and sort the received merchandise in order to verify everything invoiced was delivered. Also concerning inventory, the Clerk will regularly check current store inventory and then inform the manager of what is selling well, and what items just aren't moving.

The Record Store Clerk might also stamp, mark, or attach price tags to store items, and might be asked to pack and ship items to distributors. Stocking shelves isn't out of the Clerk's realm of responsibility. Depending on the size of the store and the circumstances, the Clerk may help the Manager set up advertising displays or arrange merchandise to promote sales.

Sales clerks work different shifts throughout the days of the week, and they may work full or part-time.

Salaries
The experience of the individual, the size of the store and the geographical location all determine the salary of the individual. Salaries begin at or slightly above minimum wage, and Clerks can expect to earn $17,000 to $25,000 plus per year. Earnings are made up of salaries or salaries plus commissions, and even bonuses sometimes.

Employment
There are many record and department stores that are looking to employ Clerks, making prospects good. This is an entry-level position, so young people in high school or college will often apply for Clerk jobs in order to learn more about the record business.

Advancement
From Store Clerk, one has the opportunity to move on to the position of Store or Department Manager, and prospects for these positions are good. As mentioned, starting as a Clerk is a very good way to begin your career in the business because you are able to learn a lot of the basics.

Education and Training
As mentioned, Record Clerks may start young, but it is still preferred by most that the Clerk holds a high school diploma. With that said, may applicants may still be finishing up their high school education, and stores will look to hire these individuals as part time workers or for summer jobs.

Experience, Skills, and Personality
Retail sales experience is helpful, but it is often not required. But certain things like being pleasant to customers and being a dependable and reliable worker are required. It is also helpful to have a working knowledge of music trends.

Unions and Associations
Clerks of relatively smaller record shops do not usually belong to unions. However, Clerks in larger stores usually belong to in-house unions or local unions that cover the job classification.

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