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Sales Representative

Kanohi Hokohoko

Sales representatives promote, market and sell products or services to business and professional establishments, or wholesale or retail outlets.

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Secondary education

A minimum of three years of secondary education is recommended. Useful subjects include maths, business studies and English.

Study fields

Study levels

  • Up to NCEA Level 3
  • Certificate
  • Diploma

Useful experience

Useful experience for sales representatives includes:

  • sales work or work within the industry you are selling to
  • retail or marketing work
  • work involving dealing with money and customers.

What you will do

Sales representatives may do some or all of the following:

  • visit clients to talk about, demonstrate and take orders for products and services
  • arrange contract and payment details
  • arrange for delivery or installation of products
  • train clients in the use of products
  • answer client enquiries, deal with complaints and arrange for servicing of faulty goods
  • keep sales records and predict future market trends
  • find and contact potential clients, and develop sales ideas to attract more clients
  • organise sales budgets.

Skills and knowledge

Sales representatives need to have:

  • knowledge of the products or services they are selling
  • knowledge of the particular industry, such as construction, or market they are selling in, including their competitors' products
  • skill in advertising, presenting or promoting the products or services they are selling
  • an understanding of contract law
  • business, marketing and basic accounting skills.
Pay

Sales representatives usually earn

$50K-$85K

per year

Successful sales representatives can earn

$100K or more

per year

Job opportunities
Average
Chances of getting a job as a sales representative are average for those wanting to enter the role, but good for those with experience.

Industry

Advertising and Marketing

Sales representatives promote, market and sell products or services to business and professional establishments, or wholesale or retail outlets.

Similar jobs in this industry

Entry requirements

There are no specific requirements to become a sales representative as you gain skills on the job. However, a certificate, diploma or degree in business studies, sales or marketing may be useful.   

Chances of getting a job

Job chances best for experienced sales representatives

Chances of getting work are good for experienced sales representatives as employers prefer to hire people with a good history of sales experience and a strong network of contacts. 

You can increase your chances of progressing into a sales representative role by working for a sales company in an entry-level administration assistant role.

According to the Census, 5,757 sales representatives worked in New Zealand in 2018. 

Types of employers varied

Sales representatives work for a wide range of employers selling various products and services across different industries.

Most sales representatives work in:

  • retail
  • telecommunications
  • hospitality
  • manufacturing.

Those who specialise in selling technical products usually work in:

  • health
  • manufacturing
  • agriculture
  • information and communication technology
  • business and accounting.

Find out more about training

New Zealand Institute of Sales
(09) 887 4155 - contactme@instituteofsales.co.nz - www.instituteofsales.co.nz
 

Progression and specialisations

Sales representatives may progress to selling specialised technical equipment, or move into management roles:

Technical Sales Representative
Technical sales representatives sell specialised goods such as scientific or medical equipment.

Working conditions

Sales representatives:

  • generally work normal office hours, but may sometimes work evenings or weekends to meet clients' needs
  • work in offices, but also travel locally or around the country to meet with clients
  • often work in stressful conditions as they usually have sales targets to reach.

Useful personal qualities

Sales representatives need to be:

  • friendly, patient and helpful
  • confident, enthusiastic and persuasive
  • motivated, and able to work on their own
  • able to work well under pressure.

Related Wintec courses

Industry

Advertising and Marketing

Sales representatives promote, market and sell products or services to business and professional establishments, or wholesale or retail outlets.

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