Store Sales Demonstrator

Store demonstrators work in department stores, supermarkets and other retail businesses, introducing products to customers to help increase sales. They demonstrate a wide range of products, from food and drink, to kitchen gadgets, beauty products and tools. Job descriptions vary, but can include:
setting up a counter or other area where demonstrations take place
arranging stock, posters and other publicity material to attract customers
demonstrating a product and showing how easy it is to use (for example, by chopping vegetables or cleaning a surface)
explaining the benefits of a product and answering questions about it
handing out leaflets, brochures, coupons and free samples
selling products, or passing customers to other members of the sales team.
A full-time store demonstrator usually works between 37 and 40 hours a week. This may include evening and weekend work. Part-time and freelance opportunities are often available. Work environments include shops, shopping centres, supermarkets, exhibition centres and conference centres. Demonstrators spend most of their day standing and may have to lift and carry boxes. A driving licence may be needed.
Salaries may range from £10,000 to around £18,000 a year.
A store demonstrator should:
have excellent communication skills
be friendly and outgoing, even when under pressure
have good customer service skills
be able to talk to people of all ages and backgrounds
be interested in retail and sales
enjoy meeting and talking to customers.
Employers include supermarkets, independent department stores and the manufacturers and distributors of products. Many store demonstrators are self-employed.
It is possible to begin this career without formal qualifications, but candidates must demonstrate evidence of literacy, numeracy and excellent communications skills. Some employers require a minimum of four GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3), including English and maths. Most people starting this career are adults. Experience of retail or customer service is an advantage.
There is no formal training for this job, but good product knowledge is essential. Store demonstrators usually attend briefing sessions and short courses to learn about the products they will be demonstrating.
There is no formal promotion structure for store demonstrators, but the experience they gain may help them to move into other jobs in retail, customer service, marketing or promotions.