The profession of a sales representative, which has recently appeared on the labor market, is one of the most demanded. And according to forecasts of recruiting agencies, demand will not only remain, but will also increase.
Almost any enterprise whose activities are related to the sale of goods at retail outlets needs people to promote its products to the market, intermediaries between a wholesale warehouse and a retail network are needed. These intermediaries are sales representatives.
General requirements for applicants for the position of a sales representative
Since the position of a sales representative is at one of the lowest steps in the hierarchy, the level of education of the applicant does not really matter. For work, both secondary and incomplete higher education are sufficient. Personal, communication skills of the candidate are much more important.
It is also worth noting that in Russia there are no educational institutions for this specialty, so many large firms themselves train newcomers at corporate courses and trainings.
Job responsibilities
The main task of a sales representative is to hand over as many products of the company he represents for sale and collect money on time, avoiding debts. All other responsibilities follow from this main task.
The sales representative is obliged to:
To develop a system and ways of representing the interests of the company in the market sector of interest, to determine the structure and methods of managing the system.
Collect marketing information that characterizes a specific market sector - prices, demand, competitors, prospective customers.
Planning work with existing clients - making purchase and sale transactions, concluding contracts on behalf of the company.
Assist clients in drawing up a specification for goods, assistance in product demonstration, provide information on market demand for a product, etc.
Conclude transactions for the sale of goods, ensure the fulfillment of obligations under concluded contracts - control of shipment and delivery, control of the display of goods. Make cash payments and monitor the adequacy of the inventory.
Monitor the fulfillment of obligations by clients under contracts, check the timeliness of cash settlements with clients. Prevent violation of obligations by clients, identify the causes of violations and the possibility of their prevention.
Carry out work to increase the client base, advise potential customers on all issues related to the quality, characteristics and terms of delivery of goods, conduct presentations and check the reliability of potential customers.
Maintain a customer database - addresses, volumes of purchases, financial reliability, fulfillment of obligations, claims.
Participate in the development and implementation of the company's marketing plans - in its market sector. Participate in seminars, conferences, marketing meetings held by the company.
Prepare reports on work with clients - sales volumes, indicators for individual clients, recommendations on the use of incentive and incentive promotions - special discounts, advertising clients, etc., forecasts for the future of work.
Ensure the safety of reporting and documentation on concluded contracts.
Coordinate and supervise the work of merchandisers, promoters, drivers and forwarders.
