Demonstrators and product promoters work at department stores and malls, trade shows, and grocery stores, where they can get face-to-face with potential customers and work to convince them to make a purchase. The core sales technique of these workers is to show an audience how to use the product, and explain its usefulness, but they may also provide samples and informational brochures, coupons, and other incentives to entice customers to buy products. Demonstrators and product promoters spend much of their time preparing, researching new products and developing their presentations. Eye-catching displays often require transportation and set up before presentations and disassembly afterwards. They also rehearse to turn their script or list of features into a compelling case for potential buyers. Demonstrators and product promoters may handle sales transactions and keep records of sales made. Strong communication skills are essential in this field. Many demonstrators and product promoters work less than 40 hours a week, although some work full time. Positions typically do not have specific education requirements, although a number of workers have a high school diploma or equivalent.
What they do:
Demonstrate merchandise and answer questions for the purpose of creating public interest in buying the product. May sell demonstrated merchandise.
On the job, you would:
Provide product samples, coupons, informational brochures, or other incentives to persuade people to buy products.
Sell products being promoted and keep records of sales.
Keep areas neat while working and return items to correct locations following demonstrations.
Business
customer service
sales and marketing
Arts and Humanities
English language
Manufactured or Agricultural Goods
food production
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
use rules to solve problems
group things in different ways
People interested in this work like activities that include leading, making decisions, and business.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Integrity
Cooperation
Social Orientation
Concern for Others
Independence
You might use software like this on the job:
Electronic mail software
Email software
Microsoft Outlook
Desktop communications software
Eko
Spreadsheet software
Microsoft Excel
high school diploma/GED or no high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.