Do you want to become a Sales Representative? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:
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Sales representatives sell their company's products or services to customers - individuals, businesses, factories or retail outlets - selling anything from food products or household goods to medicines or machinery.
They find and win new customers, and make sure existing customers are getting the service they want, usually working within a specific geographical area. They show customers catalogues or demonstrate their products, discuss prices and advise the customer on after-sales service, guarantees and delivery schedules.
Working hours can be long and irregular. Admin work is usually carried out between appointments or at the end of the day. It may be possible to work part time.
Sales representatives mostly visit customers at their homes, offices or factories, which means a lot of driving. When not on the road, they work in the company's office or at home.
Salaries start from around £19,000 a year. Most sales representatives get a basic salary and further pay depending on the sales they make.
A sales representative should be:
There is always a need for skilled sales representatives and there are opportunities throughout the UK and abroad.
There are no set entry qualifications. Most employers ask for a minimum of GCSEs/S grades (A-C/1-3) in English and maths. A degree or HNC/D in a subject related to sales, marketing or business administration can be useful. People working in technical or specialised sales may need an HNC/D or degree in a related subject, such as engineering or ICT. A full, clean driving licence is essential.
The Chartered Institute of Marketing, the Institute of Sales and Marketing Management and the Managing and Marketing Sales Association offer a range of courses at different levels.
New sales representatives are usually trained by experienced sales staff. They may also take a range of courses and qualifications in sales.
Sales representatives progress in their jobs depending on their sales results. Promotion might include taking responsibility for a larger area, or managing a team of sales people.
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