National
| Median wages (2008) |
$24.68 hourly, $51,330 annual |
| Employment (2006) |
1,562,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2006-2016) |
Average (7% to 13%)
|
| Projected need (2006-2016) |
476,000 additional employees |
41-4012.00 - Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
Sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses or groups of individuals. Work requires substantial knowledge of items sold.
Sample of reported job titles:
Sales Representative, Account Manager, Account Executive, Salesman, Outside Sales Representative, Sales Consultant, Account Representative, Customer Account Technician, Inside Sales Person, Marketing Associate
Tasks
- Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms.
- Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests.
- Contact regular and prospective customers to demonstrate products, explain product features, and solicit orders.
- 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 drawings, estimates, and bids that meet specific customer needs.
- Provide customers with product samples and catalogs.
- Identify prospective customers by using business directories, following leads from existing clients, participating in organizations and clubs, and attending trade shows and conferences.
- Arrange and direct delivery and installation of products and equipment.
- Monitor market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales.
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Tools & Technology
Tools used in this occupation:
| Desktop computers |
| Laser printers |
| Notebook computers |
| Personal computers |
Technology used in this occupation:
| Calendar and scheduling software — Computerized call calendars; Computerized time management systems |
| Customer relationship management CRM software — FrontRange Solutions Goldmine software; NetSuite NetCRM; Soffront CRM Portal; Tigerpaw software |
| Data base user interface and query software — Database software; Microsoft Access |
| Electronic mail software — IBM Lotus Notes; Microsoft Exchange; Microsoft Outlook |
| Expert system software — Mastermind software; Sales force automation software |
| Office suite software — Microsoft Office software |
