Salary and Outlook

According to the US Department of Labor, there are 1,327,500 people employed as sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except technical and scientific products in the United States. The median annual salary is $62,100. Entry level employees earn approximately $31,950 per year and senior employees earn approximately $129,200 per year.

Estimates do not include other potential benefits such as health insurance, overtime pay, or retirement benefits that may be offered by employers.

Job Duties

• Negotiate details of contracts and payments.
• Prepare drawings, estimates, and bids that meet specific customer needs.
• Obtain credit information about prospective customers.
• Forward orders to manufacturers.
• Arrange and direct delivery and installation of products and equipment.
• Buy products from manufacturers or brokerage firms and distribute them to wholesale and retail clients.
• 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.
• Perform administrative duties, such as preparing sales budgets and reports, keeping sales records, and filing expense account reports.
• Contact regular and prospective customers to demonstrate products, explain product features, and solicit orders.
• Identify prospective customers by using business directories, following leads from existing clients, participating in organizations and clubs, and attending trade shows and conferences.
• Negotiate with retail merchants to improve product exposure, such as shelf positioning and advertising.
• Check stock levels and reorder merchandise as necessary.
• Plan, assemble, and stock product displays in retail stores, or make recommendations to retailers regarding product displays, promotional programs, and advertising.

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