In addition, temporary or contract sales people are used more frequently for outside sales. Earnings of representatives who sold technical services were generally higher than earnings of those who sold nontechnical services. Earnings of experienced sales representatives depend on performance. Successful sales representatives who establish a strong customer base can earn more than managers in their firm. Sales representatives are paid in a variety of ways.
Most firms use a combination of salary and commissions.
Some services sales representatives receive a base salary, plus incentive pay that can add 25 to 75 percent to the sales representative's base salary. In addition to the same benefits package received by other employees of the firm, outside sales representatives have expense accounts to cover meals and travel, and some drive a company car. Many employers offer bonuses, including vacation trips and prizes, for sales that exceed company quotas. Because sales are affected by changing economic conditions and consumer and business expectations, earnings may vary greatly from year to year. Related Occupations Services sales representatives must have sales ability and knowledge of the service they sell.