A company's sales function is considered one of the most important parts of the business. It is, after all, one of the areas responsible for attracting customers. The commercial function tends to be quite complex, with different roles and titles that can be confusing.
What is a field sales representative?
They are the professional responsible for winning new customers for the company, handling contact and negotiation. They also sell in person, visiting clients at their businesses and homes rather than staying in one fixed place.
For that reason the sales tend to be more complex, requiring the professional to know the product or service they are selling in depth. Even though they generally work outside the office, though, that does not mean they have no hours to keep.
Beyond that, this kind of salesperson prepares commercial proposals, closes sales and develops new customers. They also track trends around the product and the market and build bridges between resellers and companies.
A field sales representative, after all, does the same as other employees at the company. They too have hours, deadlines and sales targets to meet.
There are other names for the profession: telesales assistant, relationship consultant, sales consultant, sales executive, medical or trade representative and others.
Where do they work?
A field sales representative can work in a range of companies or industries, such as retail and wholesale, e-commerce, independent businesses, factories and so on.
A sales professional also builds relationships across the whole sales and marketing function, and supports online sales.
What are a field sales representative's duties and requirements?
A field sales representative should know how to contact potential clients and leads; make commercial proposals, open new opportunities, demonstrate products or services, negotiate prices and deadlines and close sales.
One of the main requirements is self-management. The field sales representative spends the day out and about, looking for new clients and new business. They therefore need to manage their time well and organise their own work.
Another important point is discipline and a strategic view of the market, in order to reach and influence new clients and convert new sales.
A good appearance should not be forgotten either. The field sales representative is, after all, representing a company and all the values it carries. Taking care of the image you present to clients is fundamental.
Other requirements for the role are:
- Good spoken communication;
- Knowing how to analyse problems and look for the best solution;
- Knowing how to identify the ideal customer for the business;
- Being proactive;
- Knowing how to work in a team;
- Having innovative ideas.
How much does a field sales representative earn?
Having understood what a field sales representative does and what the requirements are, it is worth understanding what they earn, if you are interested in the profession.
According to Vagas.com, a field sales representative earns on average R$2,614. That figure can vary according to criteria such as:
- The commission percentage;
- The region of the country the company is in;
- The type of product or service being sold.
So how do I get into this field?
To work as a field sales representative you need only to have completed secondary education. Qualifying through a degree or online courses, though, can support greater career progression.
Having the duties and requirements listed above can also make it easier to break into the market. Now that you know what a field sales representative does, what they earn and how they work, visit our jobs portal and see our opportunities for field sales roles across Brazil.