what is an inside sales representative?

An inside sales representative is a sales professional who uses remote communications to sell products and services. Your job is to take pre-qualified leads and generate new business with already existing customers. This role took shape as global telemarketing expanded. Phone leads were once more prominent than those found online or through email. Phone canvassing has remained but is now more extensive using wireless technologies.

mastering sales criteria

Every sales professional studies a specific market, develops a list of leads, and engages with them. Inside sales representatives also take these steps but pursue them without having direct contact with their leads. Companies rely on inside sales representatives because their work builds revenue and gains more leads. You know a job involves inside sales when the work is in-house, but there is no face-to-face contact with clients.

applying modern technology

Computers are now central to the work of remote sales, so inside sales teams study and research more than ever before. Being good with data and knowing how to find it gives you a unique advantage in selling. You need to understand your audience no matter what industry you enter as an inside sales representative. You then craft pitches for the specific leads you are going to pursue.

Would working in sales as an inside sales representative suit your customer service and planning skills? Then read on to discover the competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an inside sales representative role.

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average inside sales representative salary

The average salary may vary depending on the industry, location, experience, and education level of the worker. The median annual wage for sales representatives, wholesale and manufacturing, except for technical and scientific products, was $61,600. This group includes inside sales representatives who sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. The median annual wage for inside sales representatives was $94,840. This group includes inside sales representatives who sell complex scientific and technological products or services to businesses.

how to increase your inside sales representative salary

The easiest way to improve your earnings is to boost sales and meet your quotas. You are likely to receive higher commissions and bonuses for achieving the set targets. When you have more experience in sales, use your expertise to negotiate higher earnings. Senior-level inside sales representatives can also negotiate higher salaries due to their transferable skills.

Another way to boost your salary as an inside sales representative is to pursue career advancement opportunities within your organization or industry. You could work with a mentor on how to improve your performance and showcase your value to the company. You could also complete training programs or certifications that enhance your knowledge and credentials in your field. For example, you could take online courses on sales strategies, customer relationship management, or business analytics. By showing your initiative and willingness to learn, it's possible to increase your potential for promotion or a salary raise.

Wondering what you can earn as an inside sales representative? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of an inside sales representative is.

Close up - Smiling female looking away.
Close up - Smiling female looking away.
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types of inside sales representatives

The types of inside sales representatives depend on the customers they sell to or the products and services they market. Some types of inside sales representatives include:

  • b2b inside sales representatives: You research potential businesses or companies you can sell to. You reach out to businesses through online channels to explain your products and the benefits to their companies.
  • b2c inside sales representatives: Your job is to reach potential customers through phone calls and explain the product features to make a sale. You also contact the leads generated from online sources to guide them through the purchase process.
  • fashion inside sales representatives: Your job is to find and contact potential customers interested in fashion items. You advise on sizes and other features.
     
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working as an inside sales representative

Inside sales representatives boost a company's sales by contacting leads and guiding them to purchase products. You should be convincing and confident to maintain potential customers' attention. Let's explore the specific duties, work schedules, and career prospects associated with the role.

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inside sales representative skills and education

To become an inside sales representative, you need to have certain skills and education qualifications. Here is a summary of what you need to know:

  • Some of the skills that are important for an inside sales representative are product knowledge, communication skills, active listening skills, negotiation skills, time management skills, and problem-solving skills. These skills will help you to interact with customers, address their needs and concerns, and close sales effectively.
  • The minimum education requirement for an inside sales representative is usually a high school diploma or GED. However, some employers may prefer or require candidates to have a bachelor’s degree in business, sales, marketing, or another related field. Having a degree can give you an edge over other applicants and help you learn more about the industry and the products or services you are selling. You may also need to complete some training programs or certifications to enhance your knowledge and credentials in your field.

skills and competencies

As an inside sales representative, you require the following skills:

  • listening skills: You deal with clients remotely, which means you don't have the benefit of body language to understand a customer. Good listening skills help you answer questions accurately and build a rapport with customers.
  • organizational skills: Because you handle multiple customer accounts, organizational skills help you manage all customer activities on time and provide accurate feedback.
  • reliability: You need to be reliable to build customer trust. For instance, if you promise to deliver the goods on time, failing to fulfill your promise erodes trust.
man with headphones
man with headphones
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FAQs about inside sales representatives

Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about inside sales representatives.

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