A sales representative’s responsibilities include generating and following up on sales leads, giving product presentations, and marketing additional products or services to potential customers. Depending on the types of companies that employ them, some sales representatives may also be able to negotiate pricing. A sales representative may also be in charge of processing payments, issuing receipts, and assisting customers who have issues with their purchases. A sales representative’s primary responsibilities include converting potential leads into hard revenue numbers, and many sales reps are held to minimum quotas for the number of products they must sell within a given time frame.
Company policies and current economic trends may affect some of a sales representative’s specific responsibilities. Depending on the industry, sales agents may be in charge of devising strategies to increase interest in the company’s products or services among a larger number of potential customers. They usually have to adjust their plans in response to changing market conditions. In larger companies, these sales reps frequently work in teams and may collaborate with other departments such as advertising. Senior salespeople frequently have additional responsibilities, such as leading and motivating their teams and training new entry-level salespeople.
One of a sales representative’s most important responsibilities is to plan and present effective sales pitches. Most customers decide quickly whether or not to make purchases, and it is up to the sales representative to persuade them that the company’s products or services are worthwhile. Excellent communication skills, an understanding of the target customer base, and detailed knowledge of the services or products for sale are all required for good sales presentations. Sales representatives, especially in fields like technology or medicine, are frequently required to attend continuing education seminars in order to stay up to date on the latest product trends and features.
Customer support for people who have made purchases but later have problems with a service or product is another duty of a sales representative. Answering common questions, walking customers through basic troubleshooting steps over the phone or via e-mail, and arranging for product repairs are all part of the seller’s job. Because customer retention is often affected by effective and prompt customer support, effective and prompt customer support measures are also considered vital job duties of a sales representative. Through word-of-mouth recommendations, quick resolution of these issues may also increase a sales agent’s customer base.