Bookseller/Newsagent
Tasks & duties
Booksellers/newsagents may do some or all of the following:
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answer customer enquiries about books and magazines, videos and DVDs
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help customers to choose books, magazines, videos, DVDs and stationery
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collect payment for purchases
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pack or wrap purchases
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price stock
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display stock and keep the shop tidy
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run a Lotto or New Zealand Post outlet
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keep account of books and other stock
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meet sales representatives
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order books and other stock
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return unsold stock to suppliers
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be involved in promotional activities for book launches and festivals
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do the banking and other administration tasks
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supervise other staff
Skills & knowledge
Booksellers/newsagents need to have:
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up-to-date knowledge of books, authors, magazines and movies on video or DVD
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knowledge of how to find and order books, magazines, videos and DVDs
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good communication and listening skills
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customer service and sales skills
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merchandising skills
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organisational skills and the ability to memorise stock
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basic maths and computer skills
Some booksellers/newsagents run Lotto or New Zealand Post outlets, so they must know the relevant rules and procedures.
Entry requirements
There are no specific requirements for becoming a bookseller/newsagent as skills are gained on the job.
Secondary education
School Certificate or NCEA equivalent English and maths are useful.
Training on the job
Employers often run company training courses, and sales representatives may run sessions or road shows on new books.
Booksellers/newsagents who run Lotto outlets need to attend a training course and obtain permission from the Lotteries Commission to become a franchise holder, while those operating NZ Post outlets also require approval and specialised training.
Modern apprenticeships are also available for retail salespeople.
Retail Industry Training Organisation website – advice on training and apprenticeships
Useful experience
Useful experience for booksellers/newsagents includes working with books and stationery in such places as libraries. Experience in the retail sector is also helpful.
Related courses
Business Management
Literature
Sales
For more information, please refer to Career Services.
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