Career Overview
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
Also Known As
- Outside Sales Representative
- Sales Consultant
- Sales Representative (Sales Rep)
- Salesman
Alternate Job Titles
- 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
- Bottle Sales Representative
- Bottling Equipment Sales Representative
- Boys' Apparel Sales Representative
- Bulk Plant Agent
- Bulk Station Agent
- Business to Business Sales Representative
- Canvas Products Sales Representative
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.
- Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.
- Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates.
- Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.
- Prepare sales contracts and order forms.
- Provide customers with product samples and catalogs.
- Monitor market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Sales and Marketing
- Customer and Personal Service
- English Language
- Mathematics
- Transportation
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Social Perceptiveness
- Persuasion
- Negotiation
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Oral Expression
- Oral Comprehension
- Speech Clarity
- Written Comprehension
- Speech Recognition
- Written Expression
- Information Ordering
- Fluency of Ideas
- Category Flexibility
- Near Vision
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Perseverance
- Social Orientation
- Self-Confidence
- Achievement Orientation
- Optimism
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Relationships
- Achievement
- Working Conditions
- Independence
- Recognition
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: High School Diploma - or the equivalent (for example, GED)
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: 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.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Adobe Acrobat
- Adobe Creative Cloud software
- Adobe Illustrator
- Adobe InDesign
- Adobe Photoshop
- Apple macOS
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Cisco Webex
- Eclipse IDE
- Epic Systems
Tools & Equipment
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Laser printers
- Light-emitting diode LED projectors
- Mobile telephones
- Notebook computers
- Personal computers
Work Environment
- Contact With Others
- Telephone Conversations
- Deal With External Customers or the Public in General
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
Salary & Job Market
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $37,860 |
| Median | $66,780 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $134,470 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 1,266,860
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $100,070
Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $66,260
Wholesale and Retail Buyers, Except Farm Products
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Buyers and Purchasing Agents, Farm Products
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: Varies
Advertising Sales Agents
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $61,460
Is This Career Right for You?
Discover your perfect career match with our free comprehensive assessment! Get personalized recommendations based on your interests, skills, and values.
Take the Free Career Assessment →
Want Personalized Guidance?
For customized career recommendations, college selection strategies, and expert application support, explore the MehtA+ Admissions Consulting Program. We help students identify the right opportunities and navigate the path to achieving their academic and career goals.
Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.