Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, technical and scientific products, sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers where technical or scientific knowledge is required in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, and electronics, normally obtained from at least two years of postsecondary education.
A sales representative is critical to the manufacturers and wholesalers, as they are the ones that promote and market the merchandise for them. The job role of a sales representative is to sell goods from wholesalers and manufacturers to businesses and other organizations by contacting customers, travelling to business locations, explaining product features, negotiating wholesale prices, and recommending ways to promote and display products for buyers.
Sales development representative negotiates prices and terms of sale or service agreement and prepares and submit sales contracts for orders. They also follow up on orders and ensure adherence to delivery schedules and other terms of supply.
Since the products are scientific or technical, knowledge in these areas is required which is normally obtained from at least two years of postsecondary education. Other highly recommended skill sets compulsorily include leadership, critical decision making, communication, ability to work in a team and ability to liaison with government and private customers. Sales representatives make decent money with incentives and bonuses for their hard work. There are limitless opportunities, continuous learning of new transferable skills while creating a challenging work environment for oneself.
For a successful career as a sales representative jobs, one must be able to explain the features and benefits of a product with authority. One needs to be prepared to point out why it is better than competing products and should be able to close the sale.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- MES Course Sales Representative
- NSQF Level 2 Salespersons
- NSQF Level 5 Technical Sales Representative
Tasks
- Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, or credit terms.
- Quote prices, credit terms, or other bid specifications.
- Emphasize product features, based on analyses of customers' needs and on technical knowledge of product capabilities and limitations.
- Negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.
- Maintain customer records, using automated systems.
- Collaborate with colleagues to exchange information, such as selling strategies or marketing information.
- Prepare sales presentations or proposals to explain product specifications or applications.
- Provide customers with ongoing technical support.
- Inform customers of estimated delivery schedules, service contracts, warranties, or other information pertaining to purchased products.
- Visit establishments to evaluate needs or to promote product or service sales.
Progression Routes
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