Not all salespeople are paid by the hour. Some receive a portion of the price of what they sell, which is called a commission. Some salespeople earn only a commission, and others receive a commission plus a low hourly wage.

Commission sales may allow retail salespeople to increase their hourly wages. However, commissions depend heavily on the salesperson's powers of persuasion and the ups and downs of the economy.

In smaller businesses, benefits may be limited. In larger businesses, retail salespeople may enjoy benefits, such as paid holidays and vacation, a retirement plan, and health insurance. These benefits, however, are usually given only to full-time workers. Nearly all retail salespeople receive discounts when buying store merchandise.