What does an Outside Sales Representative do?
Outside Sales Representatives are members of the sales team who travel to businesses within their respective territories. They meet with business professionals either in their office, at a coffee shop, in a restaurant or at the customer’s location of choice to present sales proposals, sell them products or address any questions or concerns the customer has.
They travel to both prospective and current customers’ locations to check in on their experience with the product, provide a demonstration or answer any questions about their product or service. When they make a sale, the Outside Sales Representative types it up in a sales report for their manager to review.
Outside Sales Representative Skills and Qualifications
A successful Outside Sales Representative candidate will have various skills and qualifications to perform the required duties, including effective communication, public speaking and presentation skills. Additionally, an Outside Sales Representative candidate should have knowledge of industry trends, marketing strategies and consumer psychology. Examples of Outside Sales Representative skills and qualifications include:
- Demonstrated ability in meeting sales objectives
- Impeccable interpersonal communication skills
- Thorough understanding of the industry and industry trends
- Familiarity with marketing strategies and consumer psychology
- Proficiency with the word processing, spreadsheet and presentation software
- Ability and willingness to travel for trade shows, demonstrations and client meetings
Outside Sales Representative Salary Expectations
The average salary for an Outside Sales Representative in the United States is $71,145 per year. Some Outside Sales Representatives earn additional compensation in the form of sales commissions, such as an average of $18,000 per year in commission. The average salary and salary distribution ranges vary based on the size and complexity of the company.
Outside Sales Representative Education and Training Requirements
An Outside Sales Representative candidate is likely to have graduated from a four-year college or university with a degree in business management, business administration or a related discipline. Additionally, non-degree credentials such as the Certified Professional Sales Person offered by the National Association of Sales Professionals may indicate a quality Outside Sales Representative candidate.
Outside Sales Representative Experience Requirements
Outside Sales Representative candidates should have experience in sales with a demonstrated ability to achieve sales goals. Additional experience in marketing and consumer psychology may indicate a quality Outside Sales Representative candidate capable of converting prospective buyers to loyal customers. Experience specific to your industry, product or service may also contribute to the success of an Outside Sales Representative candidate since it demonstrates existing knowledge to support sales goals and objectives.
Job description samples for similar positions
If an Outside Sales Representative isn’t exactly what you’re looking for, below are examples of job descriptions for similar positions that may meet your company’s needs.