Positive projections for the second half make retail prepare for temporary hiring of sellers

On the 12th, IBGE (Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics) released the result of the Monthly Trade Survey (PMC) with data demonstrating the growth of the Brazilian retail sector in July, totaling 5.1% in the accumulated from January to July 2024. The number is higher than that recorded for the accumulated in the last 12 months, which was 3.7%. Trade contributed 368 thousand new jobs to more than those offered in the previous quarter.  

In addition to the encouraging data, the trade also has festivities that move the country in the second half, demanding extra and qualified labor to meet the increase in the public that goes shopping. A survey made by the Brazilian Association of Temporary Work (Asserttem) projects an increase of 6% in hiring until September, compared to the same period of 2023, which means the opening of about 645 thousand temporary vacancies. The trade represents 15% of this total.

According to Flavia Mardegan, specialist in sales and commercial strategic planning, it is wrong who believes that a good salesperson is born ready.And also who thinks that temporary hires do not need criteria in the selection process.” is not an innate gift, as many think. It is necessary a lot of preparation and training appropriate for a person to become a successful salesperson and win over customers”.

For Mardegan, the true salesperson needs studies and training to be able to stand out in the area. And that even if the hiring is temporary, some care must be taken, so that the effect is not the opposite of what is expected. “It is no use to think that the person for being outgoing and friendly will know how to sell. It is not about this. It is about her to understand what the sales process means, her role in this process, what she needs to deliver to the client. And often it is in temporary hires that we find people with this willingness to learn and grow”.

In Brazil, the sales force is composed of approximately 3.5 million salespeople, according to data from ABEVD ' Brazilian Association of Direct Sales Companies. Data from a survey conducted by Sales Force in 2023 show that 69% of Brazilian salespeople claim that selling is more challenging than ever.

“This challenging environment requires multiple skills, from building effective processes to applying referral marketing techniques and understanding biological patterns that influence consumer behavior. That is, it is necessary to have knowledge not only of the product being sold, but also of the competition and how to relate to colleagues and customers. With investment in learning, anyone can become a successful salesperson”, concludes Flavia.  

The insights and practical strategies of experts like Mardegan help drive results, leaving retailers and sellers more prepared to face challenges and seize opportunities in the world of sales.