Outside sales representatives make sales calls to existing and potential customers, often traveling within a designated territory. They provide face-to-face pre-sale and post-sale support, and may offer help installing equipment or training employees. Relevant knowledge varies by industry, and they may provide long-term support.
The specific job responsibilities of an outside sales representative can vary from industry to industry, although people with this type of job are typically responsible for making sales calls to existing and potential customers. These sales reps typically have a designated territory they work in and often have to travel within a defined geographic area to serve customers. Typically, it is the responsibility of an outside sales representative to maintain contact with customers, providing face-to-face pre-sale and post-sale support. Sales representatives who deal with technical equipment and software often provide additional support by offering help installing equipment or training employees.
Many companies employ inside and outside sales teams to sell their products. Inside sales reps often provide support for outside salespeople who are actually responsible for going out and making sales calls. An outside sales representative will typically have a list of existing customers that he or she frequently calls for support and generating new sales contracts, usually within a specific geographic area. Often, they also have to meet with potential new customers. Some sales areas are relatively small, while others require the field sales representative to travel extensively.
The field of outside sales is similar to other sales jobs, although outside sales reps typically need to be very well versed in the products, equipment or software they are selling. It is possible to start a career in outside sales without extensive pre-existing knowledge of the particular industry, although people who have relevant experience in previous careers often have an advantage. The specific knowledge needed to be an outside sales representative also varies greatly from industry to industry, as these salespeople can be responsible for selling anything from auto parts, pharmaceuticals, and software.
In addition to serving as a point of contact and drafting sales contracts, field sales representatives also provide support as well. This is usually the case in highly technical fields, especially when the sales representative deals with complex equipment or software. These sales representatives often help with the installation of new computer systems and other similar equipment. They often offer informal training sessions or organize professional training so that a customer’s employees can learn how to use any new equipment or software. Outside sales representatives often provide long-term support as well, especially if there is a problem with the equipment or software later on.
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