Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives

Wholesale and Manufacturing Sales Representatives typically perform the following tasks: • Answer customers' questions about products, prices, availability, product uses, and credit terms. • Recommend products to customers, based on customers' needs and interests. • Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates. • Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support. • Prepare sales contracts and order forms. • Provide customers with product samples and catalogs. • Monitor market conditions, product innovations, and competitors' products, prices, and sales. • Perform administrative duties, such as preparing sales budgets and reports, keeping sales records, and filing expense account reports. • Contact regular and prospective customers to demonstrate products, explain product features, and solicit orders. • Identify prospective customers by using business directories, following leads from existing clients, participating in organizations and clubs, and attending trade shows and conferences. • Negotiate with retail merchants to improve product exposure, such as shelf positioning and advertising. • Check stock levels and reorder merchandise as necessary. • Plan, assemble, and stock product displays in retail stores, or make recommendations to retailers regarding product displays, promotional programs, and advertising. • Negotiate details of contracts and payments. • Prepare drawings, estimates, and bids that meet specific customer needs. • Obtain credit information about prospective customers. • Forward orders to manufacturers. • Arrange and direct delivery and installation of products and equipment.