Occupation

Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products

Human Advantage 78%

Significant human skills needed

AI Automation Risk Low Risk
3 / 10

This occupation requires complex human judgment, social interaction, and creative problem-solving that are difficult to automate.

Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.

Also Known As: Account Representative, Account Specialist, Agricultural Produce Commission Agent, Apparel Trimmings Sales Representative, Architectural Supplies Sales Representative, Artists Materials Sales Representative, Barber and Beauty Equipment Sales Representative, Barber and Beauty Supplies Sales Representative +113 more

Video

Core Tasks

  1. Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.
  2. Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.
  3. Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates.
  4. Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.
  5. Prepare sales contracts and order forms.
  6. Provide customers with product samples and catalogs.
  7. Monitor market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales.
  8. Perform administrative duties, such as preparing sales budgets and reports, keeping sales records, and filing expense account reports.
  9. Contact regular and prospective customers to demonstrate products, explain product features, and solicit orders.
  10. Identify prospective customers by using business directories, following leads from existing clients, participating in organizations and clubs, and attending trade shows and conferences.

Supplemental Tasks (8)

  1. Negotiate with retail merchants to improve product exposure, such as shelf positioning and advertising.
  2. Check stock levels and reorder merchandise as necessary.
  3. Plan, assemble, and stock product displays in retail stores, or make recommendations to retailers regarding product displays, promotional programs, and advertising.
  4. Negotiate details of contracts and payments.
  5. Prepare drawings, estimates, and bids that meet specific customer needs.
  6. Obtain credit information about prospective customers.
  7. Forward orders to manufacturers.
  8. Arrange and direct delivery and installation of products and equipment.

Education & Training

Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.

Education Level Distribution

Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.

High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
48%
Bachelor's Degree
34%
Some College Courses
14%
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
4%

Technology & Tools

Hot Technologies

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Tools & Equipment (7)

  • Desktop computers
  • Laptop computers
  • Laser printers
  • Light-emitting diode LED projectors
  • Mobile telephones
  • Notebook computers
  • Personal computers

Where This Career Leads

Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.

Strategic Sales Supply Chain & Transportation

Zone 2
Telemarketers 75% match
Zone 4
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products You are here

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