A self-service employee is responsible for keeping the shelves of a store well-stocked. This includes stocking and displaying products. They must ensure that customers find what they are looking for on the shelves. This profession can be a privileged entry point into the world of commerce and large-scale distribution for candidates with little or no formal education.

A self-service employee will have to work within a department of a commercial surface. In order to guarantee customer satisfaction, he/she liaises with the stockroom and controls stock levels, informs the department manager of the need for an order, replaces unsold products, and arranges the products on the shelf according to the agreed layout. The self-service employee controls the price and promotion signs, ensures the cleanliness of the department and is responsible for informing the customer of current offers and product availability.

The job of self-service employee is accessible via numerous training courses, from college level to Bac+3. Here are those that allow you to become a self-service employee:

• CAP multi-specialty sales employee
• CAP (vocational training certificate) in specialized sales, with different options depending on the products concerned: food products, everyday equipment, bookstore products, stationery and newspapers
• CAP (vocational training certificate) in produce
• Vocational baccalaureate in food sales, options: food products or wines and spirits
• Vocational baccalaureate in trade and sales

The self-service employee is above all a versatile employee. They can rely on good physical condition and solid stamina to carry out their missions. They must be reactive and know how to show rigor, organization and initiative in the management of their department.

The self-service employee likes to work in a team and his or her attachment to health and safety regulations makes him or her reliable to colleagues and superiors. In contact with customers, he/she also knows how to be discreet while having an impeccable presentation.

At the beginning of their career, self-service employees are almost always paid the minimum wage. With seniority and an increase in responsibilities, their salary can increase to an average of 1,700€ per month. Bonuses can also be added to their salary if they work on weekends and public holidays.

Placed at the bottom of the hierarchical ladder of a retailer, the job of self-service employee nevertheless promises professional advancement. After proving their rigor and seriousness, they can be promoted to the position of department manager, specialized salesperson or even team leader.