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- Tasks: Assist customers, manage stock, and create eye-catching displays.
- Company: Bargain Books is a leading book retailer in South Africa with over 80 stores.
- Benefits: Enjoy book discounts, medical insurance, and employee birthday gifts.
- Why this job: Join a passionate team, enhance your book knowledge, and develop valuable sales skills.
- Qualifications: Must have a matric; retail experience or relevant qualifications are a plus.
- Other info: Opportunity to work in a dynamic environment with flexible hours.
VACANCY NOTICE
POSITION: Bookseller (195 Hour Contract)
REPORTING TO: Store Manager
STORE: Shop 24 & 25 De Zwartland Markt, Malmesbury, 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 “MALMESBURY 195 HOUR CONTRACT BOOKSELLER ”stated in the subject heading
Closing date: 05 August 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 24 & 25 De Zwartland Markt, Malmesbury, 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 24 & 25 De Zwartland Markt, Malmesbury, Western Cape
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the latest bestsellers and popular genres. Being knowledgeable about current trends in literature will help you engage with customers and demonstrate your passion for books, which is crucial for a role as a bookseller.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your customer service skills by engaging with friends or family in a retail scenario. Show them how you would assist a customer looking for a specific book or recommendation, as this will prepare you for the dynamic environment at Bargain Books.
✨Tip Number 3
Research Bargain Books' values and mission. Understanding their commitment to customer service and community engagement will allow you to align your approach during interviews and show that you're a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Network with current or former employees of Bargain Books if possible. They can provide insights into the company culture and expectations, which can be invaluable when preparing for your interview.
We think you need these skills to ace Bookseller (195 Hour Contract),Shop 24 & 25 De Zwartland Markt, Malmesbury, Western Cape
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in retail or sales environments. Emphasise any customer service roles you've had and showcase your communication skills, as these are crucial for a bookseller position.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your passion for books and customer service. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to upsell and build relationships with customers, which is key for this role.
Showcase Your Book Knowledge: In your application, mention your familiarity with different genres and authors. If you have any specific book recommendations or experiences related to bookselling, include those to show your enthusiasm and knowledge.
Follow Application Instructions: Ensure you address your application to Kelly Booysen and include 'MALMESBURY 195 HOUR CONTRACT BOOKSELLER' in the subject line of your email. This attention to detail can set you apart from other candidates.
How to prepare for a job interview at Bargain Books
✨Show Your Passion for Books
As a bookseller, your love for literature is crucial. Be prepared to discuss your favourite books and authors, and demonstrate your enthusiasm for sharing that knowledge with customers.
✨Emphasise Customer Service Skills
Highlight your experience in providing excellent customer service. Share examples of how you've helped customers in the past, and express your commitment to ensuring every customer leaves satisfied.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork
This role requires working closely with others. Be ready to talk about your ability to collaborate and support your colleagues, especially in a busy retail environment.
✨Prepare for Sales Scenarios
Expect to be asked about sales techniques. Prepare to discuss how you would upsell or cross-sell products, and think of examples where you've successfully done this before.
