Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing
A sales representative is someone who showcases and sells a product for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, organizations, and government agencies, rather than selling directly to consumers. In some cases, wholesale and manufacturing sales reps specialize in scientific and technical products such as pharmaceuticals, medical instruments, and industrial equipment.
Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives contact customers, negotiate prices, explain complex products to potential customers at conventions or present new products to existing customers, and answer questions about the products they sell. They identify prospective customers by using business directories, following leads from existing clients, and attending trade shows and conferences. They help customers select products to meet their customers’ needs, product specifications, and regulations. After negotiating prices, terms of sale, and service agreements, they prepare sales contracts and submit orders for processing.
Sales representatives are usually ambitious, assertive, extroverted, enthusiastic, confident, persuasive, and do not give up. They also tend to have a friendly personality and a talent for demonstrating value.
Sales jobs typically involve travel. Some salespeople may meet dozens of potential customers every day, while others spend their days maintaining and strengthening existing client relationships or engaging in recreational activities, such as treating clients to dinner, in order to improve the client's relationship with the company.
Many wholesale and manufacturing sales reps have a bachelor’s degree in business, management, or marketing; those who specialize in more technical and scientific products typically have a bachelor’s degree in such areas as biology, engineering, chemistry, or electronics. They also typically have up to a year of on-the-job training.
$34,235
entry level salary estimate
$86,663
experienced level salary estimate
13,128
projected annual job openings
Programs for Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing
Dallas College (AAS degree, certificates)
Midwestern State University (BBA degree)
North Central Texas College (AAS degree)
Southeastern Oklahoma State University (BBA degree)
Texas A&M University - Commerce (BBA degree)
Texas Woman’s University (BBA degrees)
Tyler Junior College (AA degree)
University of North Texas at Dallas (BBA degree)
If you're ready for business, Texas is the state for you.
Have a head for business? If you’re good with numbers and business-minded, you could find yourself working for all types and sizes of companies, in all kinds of industries. From administrative support roles to managers and executives, career opportunities in the world of business are wide ranging. In business, an associate or bachelor’s degree can get you on a fast track to success.
Sources:
Texas Labor Market Information, Texas Workforce Commission. Statewide wages by occupation, 2021. Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing except technical and scientific products. Texas Labor Market Information, Texas Workforce Commission. Statewide projections by occupation, 2020-2030.Sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing except technical and scientific products.
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