How to hire a distribution sales representative

How to hire a distribution sales representative, step by step

Here's a step-by-step distribution sales representative hiring guide:

• Step 1: Identify your hiring needs
• Step 2: Create an ideal candidate profile
• Step 3: Make a budget
• Step 4: Write a distribution sales representative job description
• Step 5: Post your job
• Step 6: Interview candidates
• Step 7: Send a job offer and onboard your new distribution sales representative
• Step 8: Go through the hiring process checklist

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1. Identify your hiring needs

   First, determine the employments status of the distribution sales representative you need to hire. Certain distribution sales representative roles might require a full-time employee, whereas others can be done by part-time workers or contractors.

   Determine employee vs contractor status

   Is the person you're thinking of hiring a US citizen or green card holder?

   Yes

   No

   You should also consider the ideal background you'd like them a distribution sales representative to have before you start to hire. For example, what industry or field would you like them to have experience in, what level of seniority or education does the job require, and how much it'll cost to hire a distribution sales representative that fits the bill.

   The following list breaks down different types of distribution sales representatives and their corresponding salaries.

   Type of Distribution Sales Representative	Description	Hourly rate
   Distribution Sales Representative	Wholesale and manufacturing sales representatives sell goods for wholesalers or manufacturers to businesses, government agencies, and other organizations. They contact customers, explain product features, answer any questions that their customers may have, and negotiate prices.	$12-32
   Sales/Account Representative	A sales account representative is responsible for managing and responding promptly to customer complaints and queries of clients. They focus on customer concerns and contact prospects... Show more	$18-38
   Sales Support Representative	A sales support representative is responsible for assisting the complex operations of sales departments, performing administrative duties under the supervision of a direct manager. Sales support representatives' tasks include acknowledging and encoding customers' orders in the system, processing payments, responding to the customers' inquiries and concerns about the products, writing sales reports, and updating the customer of the shipment details... Show more	$14-23

   Show more

2. Create an ideal candidate profile

   Common skills:

   • Product Knowledge
   • Territory Sales
   • Customer Accounts
   • Sales Presentations
   • Business Development
   • Medical Sales
   • Trade Shows
   • Increase Sales
   • Customer Orders
   • Customer Inquiries
   • Account Management
   • Inventory Management
   • Customer Complaints
   • Business Sales

   Check all skills

   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.

3. Make a budget

   Including a salary range in your distribution sales representative job description is a great way to entice the best and brightest candidates. A distribution sales representative salary can vary based on several factors:

   • Location. For example, distribution sales representatives' average salary in rhode island is 62% less than in california.
   • Seniority. Entry-level distribution sales representatives earn 63% less than senior-level distribution sales representatives.
   • Certifications. A distribution sales representative with a few certifications under their belt will likely demand a higher salary.
   • Company. Working for a prestigious company or an exciting start-up can make a huge difference in a distribution sales representative's salary.

   Average distribution sales representative salary

   $41,865yearly

   $20.13 hourly rate

   ---

   Entry-level distribution sales representative salary

   $25,000 yearly salary

   Updated December 18, 2025

4. Writing a distribution sales representative job description

   A good distribution sales representative job description should include a few things:

   • Summary of the role
   • List of responsibilities
   • Required skills and experience

   Including a salary range and the first name of the hiring manager is also appreciated by candidates. Here's an example of a distribution sales representative job description:

   Distribution sales representative job description example

   Distribution Representative - West Valley - (22000074) Description A Career at Rheem: Where Comfort Is Your Calling
   
   At Rheem, we are dedicated to bringing comfort to people's lives. As a leading global manufacturer of heating, cooling and water heating equipment, we are innovating all-new ways to deliver just the right temperature while saving energy, water and supporting a more sustainable future. It is an exciting challenge that requires a team of talented, passionate people with a diverse set of skills. From engineers to accountants, sales professionals to support experts, Rheem depends on people to power our innovations. Join Rheem, and help shape the future of products that impact lives-every day.
   
   The Distribution Representative is responsible for packing, assembling, processing orders, operating machinery and other functions as needed. Working internally with customer service representatives and peers to meet client needs. The successful candidate will also verify and keep records on incoming/outgoing shipments and prepare items for shipment.
   NO REMOTE AVAILABILITY
   This position will serve our Replacement Parts Division, located in West Valley, Utah.
   Qualifications WHAT YOU'LL DO:
   
   Locate stock and fill orders.
   Check outgoing material for accurate descriptions and quantities based on purchase orders.
   Prepare required reports.
   Use handheld Scanner/ADC device to locate and add or deduct from inventory.
   Use computer to confirm order status.
   Moderate to heavy lifting.
   Maintain quality and safety standards.
   Maintain good housekeeping.
   Regular attendance is expected and required.
   Perform other duties required.
   Supervisory Responsibilities: None
   
   WHAT YOU NEED:
   
   High school diploma/GED preferred. Minimum of 0-1 year of related experience.
   Acute detail and accuracy skills
   Excellent written and verbal communications skills, both internally and externally
   Excellent customer relation skills
   Proficient use of applicable technology and knowledge of Microsoft Office
   Ability to work in a team environment as well as independently
   Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities and pay close attention to detail on many, varied tasks
   
   Rheem is an Equal Opportunity Employer
   Notice to Third Party Recruitment Agencies:
   Please note that Rheem and its subsidiaries do not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of an executed Recruitment Services Agreement, there will be no obligation to any referral compensation or recruiter fee.
   In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without an agreement, Rheem and its subsidiaries shall explicitly reserve the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, will become the property of Rheem.
   #LI -MG1
   Primary Location: US-UT-West Valley CityOther Locations: US-NC-RandlemanWork Locations: Rheem Replacement Parts - Randleman (NC) 4744 Island Ford Road Randleman 27317Job: Supply ChainOrganization: Replacement Parts DivisionSchedule: Full-time Shift: Day JobEmployee Status: RegularJob Type: StandardJob Level: Entry LevelTravel: NoJob Posting: Jan 20, 2022, 2:22:35 PM

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5. Post your job

   To find the right distribution sales representative for your business, consider trying out a few different recruiting strategies:

   • Consider internal talent. One of the most important sources of talent for any company is its existing workforce.
   • Ask for referrals. Reach out to friends, family members, and current employees and ask if they know or have worked with distribution sales representatives they would recommend.
   • Recruit at local colleges. Attend job fairs at local colleges to recruit distribution sales representatives who meet your education requirements.
   • Social media platforms. LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter now have more than 3.5 billion users, and you can use social media to reach potential job candidates.

   Post your job online:

   • Post your distribution sales representative job on Zippia to find and recruit distribution sales representative candidates who meet your exact specifications.
   • Use field-specific websites such as salesjobs, salesheads, allretailjobs.com, sales trax.
   • Post a job on free websites.

6. Interview candidates

   During your first interview to recruit distribution sales representatives, engage with candidates to learn about their interest in the role and experience in the field. During the following interview, you'll be able to go into more detail about the company, the position, and the responsibilities.

   It's also good to ask about candidates' unique skills and talents. You can move on to the technical interview if a candidate is good enough for the next step.

   The right interview questions can help you assess a candidate's hard skills, behavioral intelligence, and soft skills.

7. Send a job offer and onboard your new distribution sales representative

   Once you've selected the best distribution sales representative candidate for the job, it's time to write an offer letter. In addition to salary, this letter should include details about the benefits and perks you offer the candidate. Ensuring that your offer is competitive is essential, as qualified candidates may be considering other job opportunities. The candidate may wish to negotiate the terms of the offer, and you should be open to discussion. After you reach an agreement, the final step is formalizing the agreement with a contract.

   You should also follow up with applicants who don't get the job with an email letting them know that you've filled the position.

   To prepare for the new distribution sales representative first day, you should share an onboarding schedule with them that covers their first period on the job. You should also quickly complete any necessary paperwork, such as employee action forms and onboarding documents like I-9, benefits enrollment, and federal and state tax forms. Finally, Human Resources must ensure a new employee file is created for internal record keeping.

8. Go through the hiring process checklist

   • Determine employee type (full-time, part-time, contractor, etc.)
   • Submit a job requisition form to the HR department
   • Define job responsibilities and requirements
   • Establish budget and timeline
   • Determine hiring decision makers for the role
   • Write job description
   • Post job on job boards, company website, etc.
   • Promote the job internally
   • Process applications through applicant tracking system
   • Review resumes and cover letters
   • Shortlist candidates for screening
   • Hold phone/virtual interview screening with first round of candidates
   • Conduct in-person interviews with top candidates from first round
   • Score candidates based on weighted criteria (e.g., experience, education, background, cultural fit, skill set, etc.)
   • Conduct background checks on top candidates
   • Check references of top candidates
   • Consult with HR and hiring decision makers on job offer specifics
   • Extend offer to top candidate(s)
   • Receive formal job offer acceptance and signed employment contract
   • Inform other candidates that the position has been filled
   • Set and communicate onboarding schedule to new hire(s)
   • Complete new hire paperwork (i9, benefits enrollment, tax forms, etc.)

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