Special Products Marketing and Sales

<h2 id="section---IsSpecialProductsMarketingAndSalesForMe">Is Special Products Marketing and Sales for Me?</h2> <h3 id="section---CareerOverview">Career Overview</h3> <p>Special products marketers and sales professionals develop specialty goods, set prices and determine target markets. They may also develop promotional campaigns and strategies. Potential employers could include marketing firms, retailers, manufacturers and wholesalers. You might also find opportunities in the e-commerce industry. </p> <h3 id="section---CareerOptionsAndJobDuties">Career Options and Job Duties</h3> <p>As a professional in the special products industry, you may be employed as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Are_the_Duties_and_Job_Requirements_of_a_Sales_Manager.html">sales manager</a> or <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Sales_Rep_5_Steps_to_Becoming_a_Sales_Representative.html">sales representative</a>. You might also work as a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_is_the_Average_Salary_for_a_Marketing_Specialist.html">marketing specialist</a> or research manager, product developer, retail operations manager or sales consultant. </p> <p>As a market researcher, marketing manager or product development specialist, you might promote your company's specialty goods or estimate the potential demand for new products. In your position as a sales manager, you may establish sales goals, track sales data and supervise the training and performance of sales representatives. </p> <h3 id="section---EmploymentAndSalaryInformation">Employment and Salary Information</h3> <p>According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) in May 2013, sales representatives earned median salaries of $54,410. <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_are_the_Qualifications_for_Becoming_a_Marketing_Manager.html">Marketing managers</a> earned a median yearly salary of $123,220, while sales managers made $108,540. Employment opportunities for marketing managers were expected to grow by 13% between 2012 and 2022, with an 8% increase in jobs expected for sales managers (<i>www.bls.gov</i>). The number of employed sales representatives was expected to increase 9%, which is about average compared to all occupations. </p> <h2 id="section---HowCanIWorkInSpecialProductsMarketingAndSales">How Can I Work in Special Products Marketing and Sales?</h2> <h3 id="section---EducationalRequirements">Educational Requirements</h3> <p>Although some firms offer training programs for new sales representatives, a postsecondary education is usually required to obtain a position. However, you may also qualify with a high school diploma or GED and prior sales experience. You might need a bachelor's degree to sell technical and scientific products. Many employers favor marketing and sales managers who hold a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Jobs_Can_I_Get_with_a_BBA_in_Marketing.html">Bachelor of Business Administration with a concentration in marketing</a> or a master's degree in the same field of study. Managers also need prior work experience. </p> <h3 id="section---EducationalOptions">Educational Options</h3> <p>Educational options for aspiring special products professionals include a diploma, an associate degree or a <a href="https://learn.org/articles/Sales_and_Marketing_Bachelor%27s_Degree.html">bachelor's degree in sales and marketing</a>; <a href="https://learn.org/articles/What_Types_of_Marketing_Certificates_are_Available.html">certificates in marketing</a> are also available. Undergraduate coursework may include topics in brand management, consumer behavior and market research. You may also study global marketing, pricing, product development and sales. Some programs include the opportunity for an internship, which may boost your employment opportunities after graduation. </p> <p>Individual schools may offer specialized programs specific to automobiles, food, wine and fragrances. In addition to acquiring business skills, you'll learn how to create targeted marketing campaigns. Depending on your course of study, you may also find out how to evaluate wines or finance cars at dealerships.</p>