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The differences between channel sales representatives and lead sales representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. While it typically takes 2-4 years to become a channel sales representative, becoming a lead sales representative takes usually requires 4-6 years. Additionally, a channel sales representative has an average salary of $66,190, which is higher than the $54,079 average annual salary of a lead sales representative.
The top three skills for a channel sales representative include lead generation, direct sales and channel sales. The most important skills for a lead sales representative are cleanliness, customer service, and POS.
| Channel Sales Representative | Lead Sales Representative | |
| Yearly salary | $66,190 | $54,079 |
| Hourly rate | $31.82 | $26.00 |
| Growth rate | 4% | - |
| Number of jobs | 215,005 | 404,430 |
| Job satisfaction | - | - |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Years of experience | 4 | 6 |
A channel sales representative is typically in charge of securing sales with vendors and resellers. Their responsibilities often include performing research and analysis to identify new business and client opportunities, generating leads, and devising strategies to close deals. They must also liaise with clients through calls or correspondence, arrange appointments, offer products and services, recommend promotions, negotiate contracts, and even process payments. Furthermore, as a channel sales representative, it is essential to build positive relationships with clients, all while adhering to the company's policies and regulations.
A lead sales representative is responsible for selling goods and services to existing and potential customers through electronic communications and area visits. Lead sales representatives should be highly-knowledgeable of the products that the company offers to discuss and demonstrate the features to the client accurately. They take orders, process orders, and ensure the correct distribution details according to the customers' specifications. A lead sales representative also monitors the team's sales performance and strategize opportunities to maximize selling techniques and increase profitability.
Channel sales representatives and lead sales representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.
| Channel Sales Representative | Lead Sales Representative | |
| Average salary | $66,190 | $54,079 |
| Salary range | Between $45,000 And $97,000 | Between $32,000 And $89,000 |
| Highest paying City | Las Vegas, NV | - |
| Highest paying state | Nevada | - |
| Best paying company | Microsoft | - |
| Best paying industry | Technology | - |
There are a few differences between a channel sales representative and a lead sales representative in terms of educational background:
| Channel Sales Representative | Lead Sales Representative | |
| Most common degree | Bachelor's Degree, 74% | Bachelor's Degree, 48% |
| Most common major | Business | Business |
| Most common college | SUNY College of Technology at Alfred | SUNY College of Technology at Delhi |
Here are the differences between channel sales representatives' and lead sales representatives' demographics:
| Channel Sales Representative | Lead Sales Representative | |
| Average age | 47 | 43 |
| Gender ratio | Male, 67.2% Female, 32.8% | Male, 55.1% Female, 44.9% |
| Race ratio | Black or African American, 3.8% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.1% Asian, 5.1% White, 73.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% | Black or African American, 8.4% Unknown, 4.6% Hispanic or Latino, 17.6% Asian, 6.9% White, 61.8% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.7% |
| LGBT Percentage | 6% | 9% |