Most salespeople use their product knowledge, customer service skills, and confidence to persuade potential customers to buy a product…. But unlike those who sell directly to consumers, wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. They sell products from wholesalers or manufacturers, including food, office supplies, and clothing, as well as technical and scientific products, such as agricultural and mechanical equipment, computers, or pharmaceuticals. Wholesale and manufacturing sales reps typically contact potential customers, explain the features of their products, negotiate prices, and answer customers’ questions. After making a sale, representatives may follow-up to ensure customer satisfaction, or to help train the customers’ employees on how to use new equipment. They also analyze sales statistics, write up reports, and handle duties such as filing expense accounts, scheduling appointments, and making travel plans. Most wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives work full time, and many work more than 40 hours per week. They often have sales quotas to meet… their income and job security may depend directly on the amount of product they sell. For non-technical product sales, a high school diploma is considered an entry level qualification. For scientific or technical products, sales representatives typically need a related bachelor’s degree.
What they do:
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
On the job, you would:
Contact regular and prospective customers to demonstrate products, explain product features, and solicit orders.
Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.
Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.
Business
sales and marketing
customer service
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
talking to others
Social
talking people into changing their minds or their behavior
understanding people's reactions
Verbal
communicate by speaking
listen and understand what people say
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
use rules to solve problems
People interested in this work like activities that include data, detail, and regular routines.
They do well at jobs that need:
Dependability
Integrity
Adaptability/Flexibility
Persistence
Cooperation
Attention to Detail
You might use software like this on the job:
Customer relationship management CRM software
Sage SalesLogix
Salesforce software
Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Microsoft Dynamics
SAP
Electronic mail software
IBM Notes
Microsoft Outlook
bachelor's degree or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are very likely in the future.
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