Product Demonstrator, Salesperson
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $18.43 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $21.98 |
| Top | $25.61 |
Interest in copying information to present sample products and catalogues, and to explain desirable qualities of products
Interest in persuading customers by soliciting sales of goods and services directly to individuals or at sales parties
Interest in handling merchandise to canvass prospective customers; may develop lists of prospective customers or follow leads supplied by management, and may distribute advertising literature and provide samples
The interest code helps you figure out if you’d like to work in a particular occupation.
It’s based on the Canadian Work Preference Inventory (CWPI), which measures 5 occupational interests: Directive, Innovative, Methodical, Objective and Social.
Each set of 3 interest codes is listed in order of importance.
A code in capital letters means it’s a strong fit for the occupation.
A code in all lowercase letters means the fit is weaker.
Direct sellers sell goods to consumers. They are usually self-employed. They travel to customers’ homes to make sales. They may also sell goods at fairs, trade shows and booths in shopping malls.
Duties and responsibilities vary but, in general, direct sellers:
Most direct sellers do not sell products door to door. They contact people by telephone, in person, through social media and online promotions, or by holding home parties for groups.
Those who sell in person:
Those who hold sales parties:
Direct sellers are often asked to recruit others and help them get started.
Most direct sellers work part time from their own homes. Some work full time. Their work involves travel to homes and other sales locations.
Direct sellers need to have:
They should enjoy:
There are no education or experience requirements. Having worked in customer service or sales is an asset. It helps to speak more than one language.
Some companies offer support to increase sales. Support may include training programs, contests or promotions. Training programs and materials are usually free or low cost.
Those thinking about direct sales should research any company they’re considering working for. This is very important if money has to be spent in advance (for example, to buy samples to show customers). Factors to consider include:
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Direct sellers may need a municipal business licence.
Most direct sellers are self-employed. They operate the business from their home and pay their own vehicle and travel expenses.
Advancement opportunities may take the form of more or better sales areas. Direct sellers may also bring on new employees and supervise them.
Direct sellers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 6623: Other elemental sales occupations. In Alberta, 80% of people employed in this classification work in the following industries:
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a wide variety of factors including:
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
In Alberta, the G973: Other Elemental Sales Occupations occupational group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2016 to 2020. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 97 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Direct sellers’ earnings vary from month to month and from year to year because they are based on commission. Commissions may increase with sales volume. Direct sellers may receive additional income based on sales generated by any new direct sellers they recruit.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $15.00 | $28.85 | $18.43 | $17.50 |
| Overall | $16.00 | $38.29 | $21.98 | $18.75 |
| Top | $15.00 | $42.74 | $25.61 | $20.00 |
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* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
Good Reliability, represents a CV of between 6.01% and 15.00% and/or fewer than 30 survey observations and/or if survey observations represent less than 50% of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| Wholesale Trade | $72,604 |
|---|---|
| Manufacturing | $54,549 |
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $37,991 |
| Retail Trade | $30,487 |
Updated Mar 15, 2018. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.