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Commercial representative vs distribution sales representative

The differences between commercial representatives and distribution sales representatives can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. It typically takes 2-4 years to become both a commercial representative and a distribution sales representative. Additionally, a commercial representative has an average salary of $53,767, which is higher than the $41,865 average annual salary of a distribution sales representative.

The top three skills for a commercial representative include business development, technical support and financial statements. The most important skills for a distribution sales representative are product knowledge, territory sales, and customer accounts.

Commercial representative vs distribution sales representative overview

Commercial RepresentativeDistribution Sales Representative
Yearly salary$53,767$41,865
Hourly rate$25.85$20.13
Growth rate4%4%
Number of jobs109,743235,775
Job satisfaction--
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age4747
Years of experience44

What does a commercial representative do?

Commercial Representatives are in demand in the business development industry. They coordinate with all aspects of business development, including client and branding management. Commercial Representatives deliver district sales goals, prepare contracts and resolve concerns, and analyze financial statements referring to commercial loan customers' potential. They manage the implementation of inventory management, technical support, and customer satisfaction projects.

What does a distribution sales representative do?

A distribution sales representative is a sales professional who usually works for wholesale and manufacturing companies, aiming to secure sales with retailers and individuals. Their duties entail conducting market research and analyses to find client and business opportunities, generating leads, communicating with clients through calls, arranging appointments, answering inquiries, discussing product or service specifications, and negotiating contracts, building positive relationships along the way. Moreover, as a distribution sales representative, keeping up with the latest trends to enhance sales pitches is essential.

Commercial representative vs distribution sales representative salary

Commercial representatives and distribution sales representatives have different pay scales, as shown below.

Commercial RepresentativeDistribution Sales Representative
Average salary$53,767$41,865
Salary rangeBetween $30,000 And $95,000Between $25,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City--
Highest paying state--
Best paying company--
Best paying industry--

Differences between commercial representative and distribution sales representative education

There are a few differences between a commercial representative and a distribution sales representative in terms of educational background:

Commercial RepresentativeDistribution Sales Representative
Most common degreeBachelor's Degree, 61%Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common majorBusinessBusiness
Most common collegeSUNY College of Technology at AlfredSUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Commercial representative vs distribution sales representative demographics

Here are the differences between commercial representatives' and distribution sales representatives' demographics:

Commercial RepresentativeDistribution Sales Representative
Average age4747
Gender ratioMale, 48.2% Female, 51.8%Male, 65.1% Female, 34.9%
Race ratioBlack 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, 3.8% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.2% Asian, 5.1% White, 72.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2%
LGBT Percentage6%6%

Differences between commercial representative and distribution sales representative duties and responsibilities

Commercial representative example responsibilities.

  • Analyze and support development and execution of underwriting, automation and operational strategies to efficiently and effectively manage the portfolio.
  • Analyze and support development and execution of underwriting, automation and operational strategies to efficiently and effectively manage the portfolio.
  • Home OfficeThe Florida/Georgia DSR position requires working completely independent from a home office utilizing multiple sales disciplines.

Distribution sales representative example responsibilities.

  • Manage merchandising and POS materials at the retail store level ensuring meticulous compliance with all current corporate initiative regulations.
  • Provide power design solutions to OEM 's
  • Excel in responsive customer support; personally responsible for worldwide international service centers and primary aircraft OEM accounts.
  • Develop and implement marketing programs for distributors and retailers, including co-op advertising plans, promotional events, and merchandising techniques.
  • Install and maintain software, hardware and networking and troubleshoot computer systems for problems ranging from software incompatibilities to electrical problems.

Commercial representative vs distribution sales representative skills

Common commercial representative skills
  • Business Development, 14%
  • Technical Support, 12%
  • Financial Statements, 10%
  • Inbound Calls, 10%
  • Negotiation, 6%
  • Customer Accounts, 3%
Common distribution sales representative skills
  • Product Knowledge, 30%
  • Territory Sales, 12%
  • Customer Accounts, 6%
  • Sales Presentations, 5%
  • Business Development, 4%
  • Medical Sales, 4%