The standard work hours of a Sales Representative are 9 to 5 on a Monday through Friday basis. They can vary depending on the time availability of their customers, which is especially true for Sales Representatives working with international clients located in different time zones.  
 
It’s also common for professionals in this line of work to travel, sometimes abroad, to meet with customers or attend trade shows and other industry events.  
  
Salary-wise, Sales Representatives work on a fixed wage plus a set commission percentage of every sale they make. The commission fee can vary depending on the company, and it is usually from 1% to 10% of the total price of each sale. We mention sales commissions here since they can influence what actions a sales professional will take to achieve their goals. They could, for instance, be willing to set aside administrative tasks to focus on sales objectives instead. 
 
Sales Representatives will also spend their day promoting sales, servicing existing clients, and establishing new accounts. Their priority is to focus their sales efforts by studying clients' existing and potential needs, which takes time and significant market research. When needed, they will also work diligently to resolve any issues or complaints as they come, set up call schedules for client meetings and cold calls, admin tasks such as expense reports, and keeping up-to-date on current market changes and trends. 
 
Roles and responsibilities of a Sales Representative
Here’s a non-exhaustive list of everyday tasks Sales Representatives are required to complete:  

• Selling goods, products, and services to increase profit. 
• Looking for potential new clients and buyers. 
• Explaining the benefits of the products, goods, or services they sell to new customers to promote and build loyalty to their brand.  
• Servicing existing clients. 
• Managing client relationships through all phases of the sales cycle. 
• Overseeing online transactions and sales. 
• Working closely with operations and customer support to ensure customer satisfaction. 
• Assisting customers with complaints or inquiries related to products, services, or purchases. 
• Tracking volumes, numbers, and margins by reviewing sales reports. 
• Achieving weekly, quarterly, monthly, and annual volume and margin sales targets.  
• Developing solid relationships with key account members to maintain an elevated level of service and client loyalty.  
• Providing customers with an expected budget, payment agreements, and delivery estimates. 
• Drafting contracts and overseeing all purchase agreements. 
• Managing pricing and sales data, as well as activity reports. 
• Soliciting purchase orders in their corresponding territory. 
• Conducting post-sale follow-ups to assess and assist customers with any problem or inquiry they may have.  
• Writing and submitting periodical reports based on sales and any other occurrences.  
• Performing various administrative duties, including preparing expense and commission reports.  
• Keeping up-to-date on current market changes and trends. 
• Monitoring market fluctuations, trends, and following competitor’s activity. 
• Working as part of a team within an organization in charge of importing/exporting products and goods in and out of a country.  
• Monitoring and overseeing the activity of fellow sellers.