Typical work activities depend on the market and the setting. A basic distinction can be made between two types of sales: business to business (B2B); business to customer or consumer (B2C). B2B sales involve selling products or services from one business to another.
This is a typical avenue for graduates. For example, a sales executive in a company that manufactures rapid moving consumer goods (FMCG), e.g. soft drinks, will sell to the retailer and may be involved in making a strong argument so the products get shelf space. Activities important for success include: relationship building; researching the market and related products; presenting the product or service favourably and in a structured qualified way face-to-face.
B2C sales involve direct selling to the consumer or end user. Examples include selling credit cards via the telephone or selling new cars in a showroom.
Typical activities for sales executives generally include:
listening to customer requirements and presenting appropriately to make a sale
maintaining and developing relationships with existing customers in person and via telephone calls and emails
cold calling to arrange meetings with potential customers to prospect for current business; responding to incoming email and phone enquiries
acting as a contact between a company and its existing and potential markets
negotiating the terms of an agreement and closing sales
gathering market and customer information
representing their company at trade exhibitions, events and demonstrations
negotiating on price, costs, delivery and specifications with buyers and managers
challenging any objections with a view to getting the customer to buy
advising on forthcoming product developments and discussing special promotions
creating detailed proposal documents, often as part of a formal bidding process which is largely dictated by the prospective customer
liaising with suppliers to check the progress of existing orders
checking the quant