Solution sales representative vs distribution sales representative

The differences between solution sales 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 solution sales representative and a distribution sales representative. Additionally, a solution sales representative has an average salary of $78,463, which is higher than the $41,865 average annual salary of a distribution sales representative.

The top three skills for a solution sales representative include marketing campaigns, customer satisfaction and sales process. The most important skills for a distribution sales representative are product knowledge, territory sales, and customer accounts.

Solution sales representative vs distribution sales representative overview

	Solution Sales Representative	Distribution Sales Representative
Yearly salary	$78,463	$41,865
Hourly rate	$37.72	$20.13
Growth rate	4%	4%
Number of jobs	198,547	235,775
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Average age	47	47
Years of experience	4	4

What does a solution sales representative do?

A solution sales representative is responsible for selling and promoting the company's goods and services to clients and customers, recommending appropriate merchandise solutions depending on the customers' needs and budget limitations. Solution sales representatives identify leads through directories research and customer referrals, developing effective sales pitch to attract potential clients by discussing everything about the services. A solution sales representative must have excellent communication skills, especially in responding to the customers' inquiries and concerns, processing orders, and resolving complaints.

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.

Solution sales representative vs distribution sales representative salary

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

	Solution Sales Representative	Distribution Sales Representative
Average salary	$78,463	$41,865
Salary range	Between $50,000 And $120,000	Between $25,000 And $68,000
Highest paying City	Boston, MA	-
Highest paying state	Washington	-
Best paying company	Capgemini	-
Best paying industry	Transportation	-

Differences between solution sales representative and distribution sales representative education

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

	Solution Sales Representative	Distribution Sales Representative
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 62%
Most common major	Business	Business
Most common college	Stanford University	SUNY College of Technology at Alfred

Solution sales representative vs distribution sales representative demographics

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

	Solution Sales Representative	Distribution Sales Representative
Average age	47	47
Gender ratio	Male, 69.4% Female, 30.6%	Male, 65.1% Female, 34.9%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 3.9% Unknown, 3.7% Hispanic or Latino, 14.4% Asian, 5.2% White, 72.6% 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 Percentage	6%	6%

Differences between solution sales representative and distribution sales representative duties and responsibilities

Solution sales representative example responsibilities.

Generate leads and evangelize product to physicians in orthopedics, hematology, internal medicine, surgery, critical care and cardiology.
Deliver effective strategies to improve financial growth while enhancing internal controls such as Microsoft CRM system.
Generate leads and evangelize product to physicians in orthopedics, hematology, internal medicine, surgery, critical care and cardiology.
Describe product to customers and accurately explain details about DirecTV services.

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.

Solution sales representative vs distribution sales representative skills

Common solution sales representative skills

Marketing Campaigns, 25%
Customer Satisfaction, 13%
Sales Process, 10%
Business Development, 8%
Customer Relationships, 5%
Customer Service, 5%

Common distribution sales representative skills

Product Knowledge, 30%
Territory Sales, 12%
Customer Accounts, 6%
Sales Presentations, 5%
Business Development, 4%
Medical Sales, 4%

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Solution Sales Representative
Solution Sales Representative vs Distribution Sales Representative

Updated January 8, 2025

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