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.