The person who supports the sales in every possible way is a salesperson. The salesperson always tries to sell the items according to the wish of the buyers. There are two types of the salesman, sales representatives, and sales associates. When it comes to the difference between the sales associate and sales representative, it can be discussed in a simple way. A sales representative takes services and products from one company and sells them to another company. In contrast to a sales associate, he has direct dealings with the customers and sells the products to the customers directly. So, we can say that there is no involvement of the company. Moreover, we can say that it is B2C dealings while sales representative has B2B dealings.
Foremost liabilities of sales associate and a sales representative
The main task of the sales associate is to guide the customers properly in selecting the products. However, he must drive the sales by sharing complete product knowledge. In addition to this, he has to engage the customers by suggestive selling. Sales associates always please their customers in a welcoming manner and share the information about the product with complete depth. In a nutshell, he has to provide outstanding appealing customer services.
The principal contact point between the particular business and the customer is a sales representative. He identifies new markets and makes sure that customers have accurate services and products. Usually, he peruses the new sale opportunities while maintaining good relations with the customers. So, while making the difference between the sales associate and sales representative, we can say that the sales representative is working at a broader level.
Basic skills required for sales associate and a sales representative
A good salesman must have to listen to the needs of the customers properly and guide them accordingly. He appropriately answers all their queries and can provide solutions for them. As he is going to provide concise information about the products so, he must have good communication skills. He has to know the features of the product in-depth and explain them to the customers properly. Both sales associates and sales representatives must have the aptitude to bounce back in challenging situations. Moreover, if you can understand non-verbal cues and have the skills to negotiate with customers, you are perfect for this job.
Difference between the salaries of sales associate and a sales representative
Sales associates are working at the junior level and are usually less experienced. They are mostly working in stores, head departments, and pharmacist companies. In contrast to this, the sales representative is working in senior positions. They have more experience to deal with challenging situations as they are representing the particular company. Thus, sales representatives are getting more salaries as compared to the sales associates.
Difference between the challenging situations of sales representative and the sales associate
Being a sales representative is exciting to some extent but mainly it is a challenging task. Their income is depending on the sales volumes and they have to put much effort into making remarkable sales. As they are representing the companies so, they have to find solutions for the customers at that level. Most of the time, he has to work on weekends as it is the demand of the job. Moreover, managing the product deliveries is the main task and customer representatives have to deal with this.
When it comes to the sales associate, their level is a bit low as they are dealing in the stores. However, they have to face less challenging situations as compared to the sales representatives. Either they also have to encourage customers and provide solutions accordingly. But they have to do all these efforts at a smaller level so, we can say that their task is less stressful.
Final verdict
Both sales representatives and sales associates are supporting the sales in every possible way according to the demands of the customers. When it comes to the difference between the sales associate and sales representative, the sales associate has direct dealings with customers and the sales representative with the company. However, the responsibilities of a sales representative are higher as he is dealing with the companies.