Job Descriptions

Bookseller Job Description

What is the job description of a Bookseller? What are the duties and responsibilities of a Bookseller? What does a Bookseller do?

Job description of a Bookseller

A bookseller is involved in the sale/retail of books and associated products. They combine a strong customer focus with a sound knowledge of their stock and of the wider book market in order to help customers locate particular books and to offer information and advice about different books available.

Other duties may include ordering and displaying stock and working with publishing companies and representatives. Booksellers may work in specialist book retailers or in retailers where books form only part of the stock.

This Bookseller job description example includes the list of most important Bookseller duties and responsibilities as shown below. It can be modified to fit the specific Bookseller profile you're trying to fill as a recruiter or job seeker.

Bookseller Duties and Responsibilities

Bookseller job description should contain a variety of functions and roles including:

  • Undertaking bibliographic work using computer or print sources to identify and locate titles;
  • Processing customer orders and book reservations;
  • Dealing with mail order, email and web-based orders – although this applies only in certain businesses;
  • Handling payments by cash, credit card and using book tokens – in many shops this will require the use of electronic point of sale (EPOS) technology;
  • Stock-checking books and, depending on the shop, other merchandise;
  • Creating in-store and window displays;
  • Maintaining commercial awareness including identifying business and promotional opportunities;
  • Serving a range of customers;
  • Maintaining up-to-date knowledge of current titles and changes in the market;
  • Helping with book events, including organising talks, signing sessions and reading groups;
  • Liaising with teaching and library staff on set texts in academic shops;
  • Liaising with other external account holders, for example schools, councils and companies;
  • Reviewing sales performance and meeting sales targets;
  • Undertaking general housekeeping duties, such as unpacking, stock replenishment and tidying.
  • Buying from catalogues and publishers’ representatives – although the extent to which bookselling staff are involved in buying stock varies a great deal from shop to shop;
  • Negotiating prices with sellers;
  • Paying and processing invoices;
  • Processing book deliveries and returns;
  • Dealing with enquiries and identifying customer needs;
  • Offering advice and recommending books, where appropriate;

Bookseller Requirements / Skills / Qualifications

Bookseller job description should include these common skills and qualifications:

  • Minimum of High School diploma or Senior School Certificate
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Vast knowledge of books

As a hiring manager, recruiting an ideal Bookseller starts with crafting a good job description. Use this Bookseller job description template to save yourself time and help you attract the most qualified candidates. Feel free to revise it to meet your specific needs.

Job seekers interviewing for the role of a Bookseller may also reference it in preparation for the interview.