A salesperson is someone who is compensated for promoting or marketing products or services. A salesperson’s duties include locating potential buyers, collecting sale proceeds, filing transaction-related paperwork, and ensuring that revenue targets are met or exceeded. Retail products, real estate, securities, and services such as cell phone plans and internet connections are all sold people in these jobs.
A salesperson’s responsibilities in a retail store include arranging merchandise displays in store windows or other areas of the store. Many businesses require retail associates to greet customers as they enter the store and to assist customers in quickly locating the products they want to purchase. At the cash register, an associate may be in charge of processing sales and collecting payments. Retail associates typically earn a flat salary, but in many cases, they are compensated with bonuses or commissions for cross-selling products; in these cases, employees in these positions may be held accountable for meeting specific sales targets.
Field agents and representatives are employed some companies, and a salesperson in one of these roles is responsible for setting up appointments with businesses and consumers. These individuals frequently make unsolicited teleconsulting calls to prospects and conduct sales presentations in people’s homes or at work. These workers are responsible for transporting the items used in the demonstrations, and many field representatives are also responsible for delivering goods to clients and collecting payments. Outside sales employees, like retail store associates, are expected to meet or exceed specific revenue goals, and in many cases, their entire wage is paid in the form of commission.
Many marketing professionals have regular face-to-face interactions with clients and prospects, while others work for companies that try to sell products and services over the phone or the internet. Making proactive calls to clients and explaining the features and benefits of various products and services are among the responsibilities of a salesperson in one of these roles. These individuals are typically required to meet daily sales call quotas as well as quarterly or annual revenue targets. Representatives may be required to collect billing information from customers and arrange for goods to be delivered to buyers via overnight express delivery or the mail.
While the specific responsibilities of salespeople vary depending on the industry, they are typically expected to provide excellent customer service. These employees must attend regularly scheduled training sessions to learn about new products, services, and company pricing promotions. Anyone who works in a sales team is required to produce activity and revenue reports, and they may be asked to temporarily assume the responsibilities of absent coworkers on occasion.