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| Job Outlook | | Job openings for medical slaes reprsentatives likely will be limited, as improvements in technology and office automation continue to increase worker productivity. While overall employment of medical sales representatives is expected to grow by 9 percent between 2006 and 20016.
Prospective customers will still require sales workers to demonstrate or illustrate the particulars about the good or service. However, technology is expected to make them more effective and productive, for example, by providing accurate and current information to customers during sales presentations. Within manufacturing, job opportunities for manufacturers agents should be somewhat better than those for sales representatives.
Manufacturers are expected to continue outsourcing sales duties to manufacturers agents rather than using in-house or direct selling personnel. To their advantage, these agents are more likely to work in a sales area or territory longer than representatives, creating a better working relationship and understanding how customers operate their businesses. Also, by using agents who usually lend their services to more than one company, companies can share costs with the other companies involved with that agent. Those interested in this occupation should keep in mind that direct-selling opportunities in manufacturing are likely to be best for products with strong demand. Furthermore, jobs will be most plentiful in small wholesale and manufacturing firms because a growing number of these companies will rely on wholesalers and manufacturers agents to market their products as a way to control their costs and expand their customer base. Employment opportunities and earnings may fluctuate from year to year because sales are affected by changing economic conditions, legislative issues, and consumer preferences. Prospects will be best for those with the appropriate knowledge or technical expertise as well as the personal traits necessary for successful selling. |
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| More Information | | Manufacturers' Agents National Association, Manufacturers' Representatives Educational Research Foundation |
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| References | | Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Sales Representative, Wholesale and Manufacturing , on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos119.htm.
O*NET on the Internet at http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/41-4011.05 |
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