POSITION SUMMARY:

Independent Sales Representatives have primary responsibility for managing an assigned territory, developing and maintaining customers, meeting sales goals and rep expectations, and handling customer inquiries in a timely and professional manner. The working relationship will be further defined in the independent rep agreements.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Territory Management / Administration
  • Develop working knowledge of company products, and sales materials and resources
  • Manage territory activities to meet sales goals and annual rep expectations
  • Document sales activities, contacts, and customer activities in tracking system
  • Keep customer list current; notify office when customers move, close, change ownership, etc.

• Sales Activities
  • Visit core and high potential customers 2-3 times per year; visit non-core, inactive and lost customers 1-2 times per year
  • Identify sales prospects, leads, and referrals; follow up with new accounts per rep expectations
  • Attend gift shows; schedule appointments with attending customers; assist customers by showing, promoting and selling products
  • Identify and resolve any customer concerns, or refer to company staff

• General
  • Communicate information, activities, and feedback to appropriate company staff
  • Participate in showroom sales and training activities per rep agreement
  • Follow-up with customers for collection of payment as needed

PERFORMANCE MEETS MINIMUM EXPECTATIONS WHEN:

• Sales goals are met
• Rep expectations are followed
• Customers are pleased with their products, service and sales contacts

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent social skills and positive demeanor required
• Must have the ability to manage time, accept responsibility, and work independently
• Must have strong communication skills with the ability to persuade others to action
• Must have strong technology skills, including PC, internet, and telephone
• Must have strong attention to detail; able to complete necessary reports and documentation

• Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Requires about 80% of time in travel throughout assigned territory including overnights
• Requires about 20% of time in planning and working shows
• Requires significant phone and face-to-face contact with customers, prospects and company staff
• Requires loading and carrying sample cases, products and catalogs; lifting up to 50 pounds
• Requires carrying product samples in vehicle and into customer work areas to show
• Requires some evening and weekend hours
• Working at shows will require long hours of standing and working with customers

• Required Education and Experience

• BA/BS preferred
• Previous sales or customer service experience required; similar industry preferred
• Must have valid driver's license, insurance, and a good driving record
• Must be able to pass background and credit check as a condition of employment
• Must be willing to solely represent the Company's product in a highly competitive market