Communication, Numeracy and Digital Skills for Retail
This domain tests clear workplace communication, the retail calculations you must do on the floor, and safe use of digital tools from spreadsheets to UPI.
Communication
The process runs sender, message, channel, receiver, feedback, with noise distorting it. Aim for the 7Cs: clear, concise, concrete, correct, coherent, complete, courteous. Listen actively, match tone to the channel, and write handover notes as facts: time, item, quantity, action taken.
Numeracy you use daily
Discount % = discount ÷ MRP × 100. Margin % = (selling price − cost) ÷ selling price × 100. Markup % = (selling price − cost) ÷ cost × 100. Compare unit price (price ÷ quantity) to judge value across pack sizes.
Digital tools
Spreadsheets: =B2*C2 multiplies, =SUM(B2:B10) totals, =AVERAGE gives the mean, and =B2/$B$10 gives a share using an absolute reference. POS and stock software, barcode scanners, QR and UPI payments, email and cloud backups are standard.
Worked example
A shirt with MRP ₹1,200 sells for ₹960; cost is ₹800. Discount = 1,200 − 960 = ₹240, so 240 ÷ 1,200 = 20%. Margin = 160 ÷ 960 = 16.7% on selling price. Markup = 160 ÷ 800 = 20% on cost. Reasoning: the same rupee gain is a different percentage depending on the base, so always state the base.
Traps that cost marks
Quoting margin instead of markup; taking a second discount on an already discounted price; sharing OTPs or clicking unverified payment links.
Key points
- 7Cs plus feedback define effective messages
- Discount % is on MRP; margin is on selling price
- Markup is calculated on cost
- Use $ to lock a cell reference in spreadsheets
- Never share OTP or PIN with anyone