Sales and Account Representatives in Wholesale Trade (non-technical)
(NOC 6411)
in All Sales and ServiceSales representatives in wholesale trade (non-technical) sell non-technical goods and services to retail, wholesale, commercial, industrial, professional, and other clients domestically and internationally. They work for businesses that produce or provide goods and services like petroleum companies, food, beverage and tobacco producers, clothing manufacturers, motor vehicles and parts manufacturers, hotels, business services firms, and transportation companies. Sales representatives in wholesale trade who are supervisors are also included in this group along with auctioneers.
Job Outlook
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Sales and Service
The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow significantly over the next few years, which will provide additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Sales and Account Representatives in Wholesale Trade (Non-technical) most commonly work full-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically permanent positions. Also, a average portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.
The median employment income for 68% of Sales and Account Representatives in Wholesale Trade (Non-technical) who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $55,480. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$23.00
Median$34.13
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,362
Minimum$46,154
Median$96,045
MaximumCompared to: All Sales and Service
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.36
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,949
Minimum$16,629
Median$45,086
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Sales representatives in wholesale trade (non-technical) sell non-technical goods and services to retail, wholesale, commercial, industrial, professional, and other clients domestically and internationally. They work for businesses that produce or provide goods and services like petroleum companies, food, beverage and tobacco producers, clothing manufacturers, motor vehicles and parts manufacturers, hotels, business services firms, and transportation companies. Sales representatives in wholesale trade who are supervisors are also included in this group along with auctioneers.
Job duties
Sales representatives in wholesale trade:
- Promote sales to existing clients.
- Identify and solicit potential clients.
- Present on the benefits and uses of goods or services for clients.
- Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties, and delivery dates.
- Prepare or oversee preparation of sales or other contracts.
- Consult with clients after sale or signed contracts to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support.
- Review and adapt to information about product innovations, competitors, and market conditions.
- Represent companies that export and import products or services to and from foreign countries.
- May conduct sales transactions through Internet-based electronic commerce.
- May supervise the activities of other sales representatives.
Sample job titles
- advertising agent
- commercial agent
- commercial salesperson
- computer services sales representative
- exporter
- importer
- sales agent
- wholesale trade representative
Skills
- This work requires excellent interpersonal and communication skills. You must be aware of customers' needs and give careful attention to detail. Strong marketing skills, as well as computer proficiency, are important for this group.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- A university degree or completion of a college or other program may be required.
- Fluency in a foreign language and/or foreign country work or travel experience may be required for sales representatives seeking employment with companies that import or export goods or services.
- Voluntary certification is available from the Canadian Professional Sales Association.
Other considerations
- Earnings will often depend upon the type of product being sold and the volume of sales made. People in these jobs should be prepared to keep up with changes in product lines and sales methods. Experience in sales or in a job related to the product or service is usually required. Supervisors and senior sales representatives require experience. Progression to sales management positions is possible with additional training or experience.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Sales and Service
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$50,759 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$38,845 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$43,179 median annual incomeCape Breton
$31,067 median annual incomeSouthern
$37,615 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Wholesale trade
Manufacturing
Retail trade
Professional, scientific and technical services
Information and cultural industries
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Sales and Service
15-24
45-54
25-34
55-64
35-44
Top levels of education
High school
$43,556 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$45,149 median annual incomeBachelor
$60,370 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$46,566 median annual incomeLess than high school
$31,548 median annual incomeCompared to: All Sales and Service
High school
$15,705 median annual incomeLess than high school
$9,866 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$20,644 median annual incomeBachelor
$21,262 median annual incomeTrade Certification
$21,234 median annual incomeEducation & training
Business/Commerce
College, Trades, or University ProgramThese programs focus on the general study of business, including the processes of interchanging goods and services (buying, selling and producing), business organization, and accounting as used in profit-making and non-profit public and private institutions and agencies. They prepare students to apply business principles and techniques in various occupational settings.
Institutions providing this program
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Hospitality Administration/Management
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to serve as general managers and directors of hospitality operations on a system-wide basis, including both travel arrangements and promotion and the provision of traveller facilities. These include courses in principles of operations in the travel and tourism, hotel and lodging facilities, food services, and recreation facilities industries, hospitality marketing strategies, hospitality planning, management and coordination of franchise and unit operations, business management, accounting and financial management, hospitality transportation and logistics, and hospitality industry policies and regulations.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
Various, NS
International Business
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to manage international businesses and/or business operations. They include courses in the principles and processes of export sales, trade controls, foreign operations and related problems, monetary issues, international business policy, and applications to doing business in specific countries and markets.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Marketing/Marketing Management
College or University ProgramThese programs prepare students to undertake and manage the process of developing consumer audiences and moving products from producers to consumers. They include courses in buyer behaviour and dynamics, principles of marketing research, demand analysis, cost-volume and profit relationships, pricing theory, marketing campaign and strategic planning, market segments, advertising methods, sales operations and management, consumer relations, retailing, and applications to specific products and markets.
Institutions providing this program
Wolfville, NS
Sydney, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
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Contacts
Additional resources
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