College courses in business, economics, communications, and marketing provide a good background. Employers may hire representatives who have a high school diploma or GED and a strong sales record. This is especially true in non-technical services sales, such as linen supply. Very large companies often hire sales representatives as soon as they graduate from college. In contrast, small companies often hire only experienced representatives because they do not need to be trained.
Many firms provide training programs.
Some of these cover company policies, the history of the business, as well as development and uses of the service. Most programs include methods for finding clients, making presentations, and answering customer questions. Trainees also learn how to close sales, write orders, and use technical support personnel. After training, salespeople often take seminars on improving their sales.