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- Tasks: Engage customers, manage stock, and create eye-catching displays in a vibrant bookstore.
- Company: Join Bargain Books, a leading South African book retailer with over 80 stores and multiple awards.
- Benefits: Enjoy book discounts, medical insurance, and birthday gifts while working in a dynamic environment.
- Why this job: Perfect for book lovers wanting to build sales skills and customer relationships in a fun setting.
- Qualifications: Must have a matric; retail experience or relevant qualifications in English or marketing are a plus.
- Other info: Be prepared for flexible hours and a supportive team atmosphere.
VACANCY NOTICE
POSITION: Bookseller (195 Hour contract)
REPORTING TO: Store Manager
STORE: Shop 28B Waterstone Village Shopping Centre, Cape Town, Western Cape
Our philosophy is to provide our customers with choice and value.
Bargain Books is one of the biggest book retailers in South Africa, with over 80 stores and growing rapidly. We are the winner for best bookseller of the year 2019, 2018, 2017, 2014, 2013 and 2011.
We believe in hard work and entrepreneurial thinking within a dynamic, sales and service orientated environment. We aim to provide our customers with superior service and value for money through our passion for books and people.
Purpose of the job:
As a bookseller you will receive and unpack stock, categorize books and merchandise stockfor the customer.
You will also focus on customer service making sure the customer gets excellent service by delivery of their needs.
You will build up your book knowledge every day to build strong relationships with the customer driving up sales.
Main Responsibilities
Customer Service– offer assistance to every customer entering the store with a friendly and positive attitude.
Housekeeping– keep the store clean and tidy.
Merchandising– making sure all window displays and in door displays are attractive and eye catching and changed every two weeks. Check that the bestsellers are in stock and on display.
Stock Management– assist the manager in measuring and controlling shrinkage
Security– need to be alert and aware of the non-shopper/shop lifter
Book knowledge– constantly building up your knowledge of the books in the store
Sales and upselling–building up relationships with potential customers, upselling and cross selling. Pushing promotions. Recommending a substitute and alternative book and other unique products.
Sourcing and ordering books for customers using the lookup systems at your disposal.
Admin and control– cash up, credit card checks, wage payout, shortage reports, supplier payout, attendance register, email communication, gift vouchers, etc.
Qualifications required for this role:
We are looking for an energetic and well-presented sales person who is physically strong and healthy.
You need a minimum of a matric and preferably have experience in retail or a sales environment.
You could be starting out in your career and have a marketing qualification, a degree in Englishliterature, Communications, Journalism or other qualifications that will benefit your career being in a bookstore.
You will gain people skills, be empowered with knowledge and will be exposed to merchandising, promotions, sales techniques, the publishing industry, authors, etc. which will set you up for your future career.
The successful applicant will have the following attributes:
Fully bilingual
Neat and well presented
Above average communication skills
Positive and friendly attitude
Knowledge of books and willing to learn
Sales skills
High level of computer literacy
Physically strong and fit
Work well under pressure
Good follow through and commitment
Work well with a team with commitment and support
Prepared to work long hours and alternate weekends.
Benefits:
- Book Discount
- Incentivised targets
- Group Retirement Annuity
- Medical Insurance
- Employee Birthday Gift
Applications and CV’s should be addressed to Kelly Booysen, Recruiter – kelly@bargainbooks.co.za
With “SOMERSET 195 HOUR CONTRACT BOOKSELLER ”stated in the subject heading
Closing date: 01 July 2025
NB:Only successful candidates will be interviewed. If you have not heard from us after the closing date, please regard your application as unsuccessful.
Preference will be given to candidates who will add to the diversity of our organisation.
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Bookseller (195 Hour contract ),Shop 28B Waterstone Village Shopping Centre, Cape Town, Western Cape employer: Bargain Books
Contact Detail:
Bargain Books Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bookseller (195 Hour contract ),Shop 28B Waterstone Village Shopping Centre, Cape Town, Western Cape
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest bestsellers and popular authors in the industry. This knowledge will not only help you engage with customers but also demonstrate your passion for books during any interactions.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills by engaging with friends or family as if they were customers. Focus on being friendly, approachable, and knowledgeable, which are key traits for a successful bookseller.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your enthusiasm for books and reading in conversations. Whether it's discussing your favourite genres or recent reads, this will help you connect with potential customers and highlight your suitability for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Be prepared to discuss your understanding of merchandising and sales techniques. Think about how you would create attractive displays or promote specific titles, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach to the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Bookseller (195 Hour contract ),Shop 28B Waterstone Village Shopping Centre, Cape Town, Western Cape
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail or sales environments. Emphasise any previous roles where you provided excellent customer service or demonstrated strong communication skills.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your passion for books and customer service. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to upsell and build relationships with customers, as these are key aspects of the role.
Showcase Your Book Knowledge: In your application, mention your familiarity with different genres and authors. If you have any specific book recommendations or insights, include them to show your enthusiasm and knowledge about the industry.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you address your application to Kelly Booysen and include 'SOMERSET 195 HOUR CONTRACT BOOKSELLER' in the subject line. This shows attention to detail and ensures your application reaches the right person.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bargain Books
✨Show Your Passion for Books
Make sure to express your love for reading and books during the interview. Share your favourite genres or authors, and be prepared to discuss recent reads. This will demonstrate your enthusiasm for the role and align with the company's philosophy.
✨Highlight Customer Service Skills
Since the role focuses heavily on customer service, prepare examples of how you've provided excellent service in previous jobs. Discuss any experiences where you went above and beyond to meet a customer's needs, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork and Adaptability
Be ready to talk about your experience working in teams and how you handle pressure. The company values commitment and support within a team, so share instances where you collaborated effectively or adapted to changing situations.
✨Prepare for Sales Scenarios
Since upselling and cross-selling are key responsibilities, think of strategies you might use to recommend books to customers. You could even role-play a sales scenario with a friend beforehand to build confidence in your approach.
