Social Media Killing Electronics Sales Rep Jobs?
Do you still remember those times when you saw interesting advertisement on TV about this new “discman”, which made you wanted to run to the electronic store immediately and learn everything about it? Yes, that was the time when sales reps were on high demand. Consumer electronics sales rep jobs are slowly declining because of the rise of social media.
10 years ago
Sales reps were THE big investments and assets retail companies had during those times because they…
- were the knowledgeable ones
- educated potential customers about products
- convinced customers with their speaking skills to increase sales
- controlled the customer relationship being “frontline employees”
The Digital Age
Thanks to the Internet! Online affiliates, bloggers, Twitterers and other content creators made it extremely easy for potential customers to search for product information and reviews. Personal reviews and word of mouth are more trustworthy sources for consumers, which influence their purchase decisions way more than anything a sales people had to say.
Many consumers these days do research online before purchases, or even make the purchases online for consumer electronics. Therefore, many customers go into stores (full of knowledge), make the purchase, and leave.
Graph below shows the declining of retail sales industry (consumer elctronics):
Are you a Consumer Electronic Salesman?
So you are convinced that social media is killing your job slowly? If so, I would suggest you to make a move before others. At least familiarize yourself with the social media trends. Keep yourself updated to technology news. Learn extra skills and differentiate yourself from other salesmen.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, Average Hourly Earnings Retail Sales Rep
