How to become a Technical Sales Representative
Technical sales representatives represent companies in selling a range of industrial, technical, medical and pharmaceutical goods and services to industrial, commercial, retail, professional, health or other establishments.
Personal requirements for a Technical Sales Representative
- Enjoy working with people
- Friendly and confident manner
- Excellent communication skills
- Good negotiation, presentation and selling skills
- Able to work without direct supervision
- Neat personal presentation
- Able to develop and maintain up-to-date product knowledge.
Duties & Tasks of a Technical Sales Representative
Technical sales representatives may perform the following tasks:
- Analyse the market, using trade directories and other sources, and put together lists of possible customers to use in actively acquiring new accounts
- Keep up to date with the organisation's products and those of competitors
- Work out customers' needs and explain and demonstrate products or services to them
- Negotiate prices, provide quotes and record orders
- Arrange for the delivery of goods, installation of equipment or provision of services maintain customer relations and provide informed technical advice
- Report to sales management on sales made, the marketability of products and customer feedback plan and participate in exhibitions and trade shows
- Contribute to sales planning and strategy development.
Working conditions for a Technical Sales Representative
Technical sales representatives work in offices (including within their own homes or at clients' premises) and on the road. They spend a lot of their time travelling throughout their sales territory. The hours of work are long and irregular, and representatives may be paid on a commission basis. There are times when technical sales representatives work under considerable pressure. Meeting sales targets and budgets can be stressful.
Specializations
Technical Sales Representative - Medical and Pharmaceutical Products
A technical sales representative (medical and pharmaceutical products) sells medical, dental or veterinary equipment and supplies or pharmaceutical products.
Technical Sales Representative - Industrial Products
A technical sales representative (industrial products) sells a range of specialised chemicals, machinery, manufacturing materials or other industrial supplies.
Technical Sales Representative - Information and Communication Products
A technical sales representative (information and communication products) sells information and communication equipment, systems and solutions to businesses.
Technical Sales Representative
Technical sales representatives represent companies in selling a range of industrial, technical, medical and pharmaceutical goods and services to industrial, commercial, retail, professional, health or other establishments.
Technical Sales Representative - Industrial Products
A technical sales representative (industrial products) sells a range of specialised chemicals, machinery, manufacturing materials or other industrial supplies.
Technical Sales Representative - Information and Communication Products
A technical sales representative (information and communication products) sells information and communication equipment, systems and solutions to businesses.
Technical Sales Representative - Medical and Pharmaceutical Products
A technical sales representative (medical and pharmaceutical products) sells medical, dental or veterinary equipment and supplies or pharmaceutical products.