Those selling consumer goods often suggest how and where merchandise should be displayed. Working with retailers, they may help arrange promotional programs, store displays, and advertising. Obtaining new accounts is an important part of the job. Sales representatives follow leads from other clients, track advertisements in trade journals, participate in trade shows and conferences, and may visit potential clients unannounced. In addition, they may spend time meeting with and entertaining prospective clients during evenings and weekends.
Sales representatives have several duties beyond selling products.
They study literature about new and existing products and monitor the sales, prices, and products of their competitors. Manufacturers' agents who operate a sales agency must also manage their business. This requires organizational skills as well as knowledge of accounting, marketing, and administration. A sales region may cover several States, and so they may be away from home for several days or weeks at a time. Due to the nature of the work and the amount of travel, sales representatives typically work more than 40 hours per week.