Many are self-employed manufacturers' agents who work for a commission. Although employers place an emphasis on a strong educational background, many individuals with previous sales experience still enter the occupation without a college degree.
Many jobs require a great deal of travel.
Regardless of the type of product they sell, their primary duties are to interest wholesale and retail buyers and purchasing agents in their merchandise and to address any of the client's questions or concerns. They also advise clients on methods to reduce costs, use their products, and increase sales. Sales representatives market their company's products to manufacturers, wholesale and retail establishments, government agencies, and other institutions. Depending on where they work, sales representatives have different job titles. Those employed directly by a manufacturer or wholesaler usually are called sales representatives .