Sales

Job Summary:
Sales representatives sell products to manufacturers, businesses, and many other types of clients. Sales representatives work for manufacturers or wholesale companies. Their main duty is to interest buyers in their company's products. In addition, they answer any questions that potential clients may have.

Sales representatives spend much of their time traveling. They visit potential buyers and current clients. During a sales call, they discuss clients' needs. They also suggest how their products or services can meet those needs. Sales representatives may show samples, or catalogs that describe products. They inform clients about prices and availability. They also explain how their products can save money or improve productivity. Sales representatives stress the unique qualities of their products or services. Finally, sales representatives take orders. Later, they resolve any problems or complaints with the merchandise. Some sales representatives also help install new equipment and train employees.

Sales representatives who sell consumer goods often suggest how and where merchandise should be displayed. They may work with retailers to set up promotions, store displays, and advertising.

Obtaining new accounts is an important part of the job. Sales representatives follow leads from other clients and participate in trade shows.

Sales representatives have other duties beyond selling products. They analyze sales figures and study product literature. They prepare reports, make travel plans, and file their expense accounts. Agents who operate a sales agency must also manage the business.

Qualification:
The amount and type of education you need for this occupation depends on the products or services you sell. A high school diploma and proven sale experience are acceptable for some jobs, such as selling consumer products to retail stores. However you need a strong education background for selling technical products. Selling industrial products, such as machinery or chemicals, may require a degree in engineering or chemistry.

Salary Range:
Nationally, the median wage for sales representatives varies by the area of specialization. Wages for Non-Retail Sales Representative are $3,460 monthly or $19.96 hourly. A sales engineer median monthly wage is $4,980 or $28.71 hourly whereas a scientific product sales representative?s median monthly wage is $4,530 and $26.13 hourly.

Most sales representatives earn a combination of salary and commission, or salary plus bonus. Commissions are usually based on the amount of sales. Bonuses depend on the performance of the individual, all sales workers in the group, or the company. They are usually reimbursed for expenses such as transportation, meals, hotels, and entertaining customers.

Prospects:
Advancement often takes the form of assignment to a larger account or territory. Commissions often are larger on these assignments. Experienced sales representatives may become sales trainers. They instruct new employees on selling techniques and company policies. Those who have good sales records and leadership ability may advance to sales supervisor or district manager.