The path to becoming a beauty sales representative differs depending on whether the title refers to a retail salesperson who sells directly to customers or a person who represents the manufacturer to other organizations, businesses, or agencies; the terms “representative” and “salesperson” are used interchangeably, which can lead to some misunderstanding. A person who wants to work as a beauty sales representative who sells directly to customers must at the very least contact the manufacturer and go through a simple application process. People who want to work as a beauty sales representative for other groups will need more extensive training, which includes sales experience, cosmetology training, and on-the-job training.
When a person is looking for a side job she can do on her own time or from home, “beauty sales representative” usually refers to a mobile retail associate who shows customers available products, takes payments, and delivers cosmetics. Cosmetic companies prefer candidates with a high school diploma or equivalent for this position. Anyone interested in working in this capacity should contact the company, apply for a position as a representative, pay a fee that covers initial training and supplies, and begin networking. The representative’s success is determined her ability to share cosmetic information and products aggressively, as well as her ability to manage the business aspects of selling, such as order tracking. These types of sales positions are well-known at companies like Mary Kay and Avon.
Some beauty salespeople prefer more consistent work and thus concentrate on store sales. These are the people who work behind the counters of cosmetic stores. The application process is nearly identical to that for becoming an independent representative, with the exception that the applicant does not have to pay a fee. They must, however, submit a formal application with a resume and participate in an interview.
When someone says they want to be a beauty sales representative, they can also mean someone who tries to make sales deals with larger companies or groups. These representatives not only sell products, but also perform higher-level tasks such as market research, sales report creation, appointment scheduling, and expense account filing. They can be “inside,” “outside,” or “field” representatives, which means they try to provide information and generate interest in cosmetics from within an office or going directly to the customer.
The first step to becoming a beauty sales representative who works with larger groups is to obtain cosmetology training or attend makeup school, with employers preferring a college degree for management positions. This education demonstrates that the student is knowledgeable about cosmetics, how to apply them, and how to keep them safe. Getting a license as a cosmetologist is common, but getting a license as a makeup artist is not. Depending on the candidate’s path, this can take anywhere from a semester to two years. To gain experience, an individual should work in other sales positions during this time.
It’s time to look for an internship with a cosmetics company after completing a cosmetology or makeup artist education. Depending on the company, these positions may or may not be paid. An internship allows you to gain practical experience in the field while being supervised a qualified beauty sales representative. Depending on the needs of the company, a person may be offered a permanent position with the cosmetics company where she interns. If a candidate is unable to do so, she can use the experience to improve her resume and apply for other beauty sales representative jobs, which usually include some on-the-job training.
Regardless of whether they sell directly to clients or to groups, beauty sales representatives who become certified may have a competitive advantage in the job market. Individuals with general sales certifications like the Certified Professional Manufacturers’ Representative (CPMR) or the Certified Sales Professional (CSP) can do this (CSP). This is especially useful for direct-sales employees, who may or may not have a makeup or cosmetology certification or license to demonstrate their knowledge.