Export Sales Representative Responsibilities

If marketing and selling is your passion, and you enjoy traveling and interacting with people from different countries, then you can easily handle the export sales representative responsibilities. The main aim is to ensure that the sales figures for the products of the organization are increased by developing and implementing plans and strategies.

Key Responsibilities of an Export Sales Representative

Export sales representative is the first person who initiates the sales for the organization. They are the first persons to discover the requirements and understand the taste and trends of the customer. Based on this research, they create, develop and implement different marketing action plans that will help in the growth of the organization. Here are some of the key responsibilities that need to be handled by an export sales representative:

1. To conduct surveys and market research to study and analyze the changing needs of the customers
2. To develop plans and strategies by coordinating with the managers to achieve the sales target
3. To ensure that the products are made available to suit the needs of the customer and by adhering to the sales processes designed to improve the sales
4. To keep abreast of the latest developments in the market by studying the competitor's strategies and products, so that the possible threats can be identified and counter attack strategies can be designed
5. To maintain trustworthy professional relationship with the existing as well as the prospective clients
6. To select, analyze and validate the vendors requirements and maintain and update the database related to it

They monitor and keep a track of the performance of various vendors by assessing their sales performance. They conduct meetings to give information regarding the customer's feedback, positive or negative. They recommend improvements in the products so as to enhance the sales of the organization. They keep themselves updated with buying and selling procedures of the firm and recruit service providers and provide them with the necessary training. Thus, in short they are responsible for identifying and exploiting new areas, converting the prospective clients and developing a new line of clients to achieve the sales targets and optimize the profitability margins.

Essential Skills

To be a successful export sales representative, you should have at least some of the following skills:

1. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to understand the clients' needs and interact with the vendors and the senior management personnel
2. Self starter, outgoing personality with exceptional selling and negotiating skills to achieve the sales targets ultimately
3. Ability to research and analyze the trends in the market and take appropriate decisions or suggest recommendations
4. Proficient in language, where the products are being marketed
5. Strong presentation skills, positive attitude and ability to work in a target driven environment
6. Should be result oriented with good business acumen, computer literate with excellent time management and organization skills

Educational Background

A bachelor's or a master's degree in business administration or management, sales or marketing is preferred. It also depends on the type of the product you will be selling, for example, if you are selling some engineering product, a relevant engineering background would prove to be beneficial.

Work Hours

The standard routine of an export sales representative expects him to work for thirty five to forty hours per week, Monday through Friday. He may need to work overtime in the evenings or nights, in case, there is any meeting, training, or if he needs to attend any exhibition or trade show. He will need to travel extensively sometimes even on holidays.

Salary Details

The salary is normally dependent on your demonstrated success and experience in the sales field. It generally falls in the range of $38,000 to $42,000. It is also varies depending on the type and size of the organization you are working in.

Career Prospects

The career prospects are definitely lucrative and assures complete job satisfaction. Moreover, if you deliver results that meet or exceed the assigned target, the advancement opportunities are really bright and you can even aim to become an export sales manager, which offers better salary package.

Thus, export sales responsibilities need to be carried out effectively to help you in developing personally as well as professionally.