Commercial sales representative
Also known as: field sales representative, technical and commercial sales executive, field sales executive, sales and marketing consultant, business development representative, technical and commercial sales representative
About this occupation
Commercial sales representatives represent a company in selling and providing information on goods and services to businesses and organisations.
Essential skills and knowledge
- sales promotion techniques
- ensure compliance with legal requirements
- prospect new customers
- characteristics of products
- ensure customer focus
- product comprehension
- produce sales reports
- answer requests for quotation
- demonstrate motivation for sales
- characteristics of services
- keep records on sales
- use customer relationship management software
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Sales Representatives of Services, Except Advertising, Insurance, Financial Services, and Travel (O*NET 41-3091.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Consult with clients after sales or contract signings to resolve problems and provide ongoing support.
- Answer customers' questions about services, prices, availability, or credit terms.
- Develop sales presentations or proposals to explain service specifications.
- Create forms or agreements to complete sales.
- Contact prospective or existing customers to discuss how services can meet their needs.
- Negotiate prices or terms of sales or service agreements.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Enterprising, Conventional, Social
Top skills: Active Listening, Speaking, Reading Comprehension, Writing, Critical Thinking, Active Learning
US median pay: US$69,990 a year (2025), 1,256,010 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.2)
- Business Studies or EntrepreneurshipO*NET: Administration and ManagementImportant (3.5)
- Computer StudiesO*NET: Computers and ElectronicsImportant (3.2)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Customer Service Representatives
- Telemarketers
- Sales Managers
- Advertising Sales Agents
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Technical and Scientific Products
- Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing, Except Technical and Scientific Products
- Marketing Managers
- New Accounts Clerks
- Insurance Sales Agents
- Demonstrators and Product Promoters
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.