National Salesperson Day Date in the current year: December 13, 2024

The term “salesperson” can have two meanings: someone who sells goods or services on behalf of their owner (a type of sales agent) or a retail employee selling goods in a store/shop. In the latter case, its synonyms include sales clerk, retail clerk, shop clerk, retail associate, sales assistant, customer service assistant, and shop assistant. National Salesperson Day celebrates both types of employees because both are crucial to the economy.

The primary function of salespeople who sell goods/services on behalf of their owner is to find prospective customers, turn them into actual ones, and close deals resulting in profit. They can accomplish this goal through a variety of means, including email, phone calls, social media, networking, and cold calling. A good salesperson knows everything there is to know about the product or service they sell, and can present it to prospective customers in such a way that they would want to purchase it.

Retail clerks are employees serving customers at retail stores. In addition to answering customers’ questions about merchandise, totaling bills, accepting payment, making change, and wrapping or bagging merchandise, they are expected to stock shelves and tables with merchandise, clean them if needed, set up advertising displays, tag prices, and perform other functions. In smaller stores, retail clerks may also be tasked with keeping records of sales, preparing stock inventories, and even ordering new merchandise.

Sales jobs can be tough regardless whether you’re working as a sales agent or a retail clerk. They often come with uncertainty, long hours and overtime, having to deal with difficult customers, and the feeling of being underappreciated both by employees and by customers. This is why it is very important to express gratitude to salespeople and let them know that they are appreciated – this is exactly what National Salesperson Day is about.

National Salesperson Day has been celebrated annually since 2000. It was founded by Maura Schreier Fleming, an author, consultant, speaker for salesperson training, and president of Best@Selling. The holiday was originally observed on the first Friday in March, but its date was moved to the second Friday in December in 2010. The choice of the new date makes sense because the holiday season is the busiest time of the year in retail, and during this hectic period salespeople deserve our appreciation more than ever.

How can you get involved with National Salesperson Day? A simple “thank you” goes a long way: we are sure salespeople will be thrilled if you let them know that you appreciate their help. Whether you’re stopping at a gas station, getting coffee or buying Christmas presents, be sure to thank the salespeople you come in contact with. And don’t forget to post about the holiday on social media with the hashtag #NationalSalespersonDay to encourage others to celebrate.