Overview
Technical sales specialists in wholesale trade, sell a range of technical goods and services, such as scientific, agricultural and industrial products, electricity, telecommunications services and computer services, to governments and to commercial and industrial establishments in domestic and international localities. They are employed by establishments that produce or provide technical goods and services, such as pharmaceutical companies, industrial equipment manufacturing companies, grain elevators, computer services firms, engineering firms and hydroelectric companies, or they may be self-employed technical sales specialists/agents who contract their services to other companies. Technical sales specialists in wholesale trade who are supervisors are included in this unit group.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Maintain and grow sales relationships with existing clients
Identify and solicit potential clients
Assess clients' needs, recommend or assist in the selection of appropriate goods or services, and negotiate prices or other sales terms
Provide input into product design where goods or services must be tailored to suit clients' needs
Develop sales presentations, proposals, or other materials to illustrate benefits from use of good or service
Estimate costs of installing and maintaining equipment or service
Prepare and administer sales contracts and maintain customer records
Consult with clients after sale to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support
Troubleshoot technical problems related to equipment
Assess market conditions and competitors' activities and develop an awareness of emerging markets and trends
Develop and maintain technical product or service knowledge to explain features to clients and answer questions about goods or services
May offer training in the operation and maintenance of equipment
Develop, implement and report on sales strategies to achieve business goals
May supervise the activities of other technical staff and sales specialists.
Technical sales specialists usually specialize in a particular line of goods or services.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$41,712
$80,212
$127,055
Job openings
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British Columbia
1,681expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A university degree or college diploma in a program related to the product or service is usually required.
Experience in sales or in a technical occupation related to the product or service may be required.
Fluency in a specific foreign language, and/or foreign work or travel experience may be required for technical sales specialists seeking employment with companies that import or export technical goods or services.
Additional information
Extensive company training programs for technical sales specialists may be provided by employers.
Progression to sales management positions is possible with additional training or experience.
Certification requirements
Work Experience
Work experience required. Driver's license with good driving record may be required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.