Fresh Profile: Industrial Sales Jobs

Published on 2008-08-05

As with all sales occupations, the primary goal of an industrial sales representative is to persuade buyers to purchase his or her products. Industrial sales representatives serve as mediators between manufacturing companies and wholesale and retail businesses. No matter what the product, in order to be successful at industrial sales jobs, individuals must possess excellent communication skills, strong sales techniques, and thorough knowledge of the products they are trying to sell.

Because there is such a broad array of products and materials that are produced nationwide, there is also a wide range of manufacturing sales representative jobs available. A representative can work for either one or several manufacturers or wholesale distributors and may sell one particular product or a line of products. The two major product categories are essential goods and items and technical and scientific products. These two categories cover all the various industries, including food, clothing, pharmaceutical, and aviation, to name a few.
While all industrial sales jobs deal with promoting and selling products to potential customers, the specific duties of any given job depends on the product. A technical salesperson, for example, sells items such as computers, software, electronic games and MP3 players. To sell these products, representatives combine their technical knowledge of the particular product with their well-established selling techniques to successfully present these items to retail or wholesale businesses.

Most sales rep jobs involve presentation of the product and negotiation of the sale, which can be done in person or over the phone. Sales reps answer important questions about the product and explain why it is ideal for the customer or how it can help reduce costs and benefit sales. Representatives have either inside or outside sales jobs. An inside sales representative remains in the office while the latter travels out to meet the client. Each rep is also assigned a certain territory. Those outside reps with larger territories usually travel by car for most of their day.

After a sale, representatives are involved with numerous other responsibilities. They may follow up and make sure their clients are satisfied with the products. Reps can give advice on how to display the merchandise or may help with promotional ideas for the product. In technical goods, a rep may even help set up or install the product.

Most manufacturing sales positions require a bachelor's degree in marketing or business administration. Another option for formal training is to receive certification through various organizations like the Manufacturers' Representatives Education Research Foundation. Manufacturers of technical products usually provide extensive formal training for their new employees. Experience is also very important, as is a good sales history. Experience can be gained through entry-level job positions in other fields that do not require a degree. A sales representative can also attend seminars to learn more about sales techniques, marketing, and communications. Representatives often attend trade shows and conventions to stay abreast of the latest products and technologies related to their job.

A pleasant personality is key to a successful career in sales. Individuals must be able to communicate well and be persuasive in what can sometimes be brief or hectic interactions with potential clients. A sales representative is usually an active listener and is very attentive to others' reactions. However, even with these skills, it is a very competitive and demanding career that is best suited for aggressive and goal-oriented individuals.

Manufacturing sales job opportunities are particularly competitive because they are higher paying sales jobs. Better opportunities are available for those working for an independent sales company rather than a manufacturer. This is because, in order to save money, more manufacturers outsource sales jobs instead of hiring full-time staff. Manufacturing sales jobs can eventually lead to advanced positions, such as sales executive jobs. Some sales reps may choose to go into advertising or marketing research.

If you are looking for a sales job in manufacturing, you can apply directly to manufacturing firms or independent sales companies that are featured here at Fresho.com. Search through our extensive database of job listings to find your specific field of expertise and desired location.

Whether you're searching for manufacturing sales jobs in Florida, California, Texas or anywhere else in the U.S., you will find them at Fresho.com.