How to become a sales and account representatives - wholesale trade
Official title: Sales and account representatives - wholesale trade (non-technical)
Also called: Wholesale purveyor, Freight sales agent, Supplier - wholesale, Booking agent - wholesale, Tour operator - wholesale, Fleet sales representative, Catalogue agent - wholesale, Export sales representative, Import sales representative, Liquor sales representative, Commercial agent - wholesale, Consumer sales representative
Sales representatives in wholesale trade (non-technical), sell non-technical goods and services to retail, wholesale, commercial, industrial, professional and other clients domestically and internationally. They are employed by establishments that produce or provide goods and services such as petroleum companies, food, beverage and tobacco producers, clothing manufacturers, motor vehicles and parts manufacturers, hotels, business services firms, and transportation companies. Auctioneers are included in this unit group. Sales representatives in wholesale trade who are supervisors are also included in this unit group.
Main tasks
- Promote sales to existing clients
- Identify and solicit potential clients
- Provide clients with presentations on the benefits and uses of goods or services
- Estimate or quote prices, credit or contract terms, warranties and delivery dates
- Prepare or oversee preparation of sales or other contracts
- Consult with clients after sale or signed contracts to resolve problems and to provide ongoing support
- Review and adapt to information regarding product innovations, competitors and market conditions
- Represent companies that export and import products or services to and from foreign countries
How to become one
Completion of secondary school is required. A university degree or completion of a college or other program may be required. Experience in sales or in an occupation related to the product or service is usually required. Fluency in a foreign language and/or foreign country work or travel experience may be required for sales representatives seeking employment with companies that import or export goods or services. Supervisors and senior sales representatives require experience. Voluntary certification is available from the Canadian Professional Sales Association.
Pay · Outlook
- Median pay: $61,425 a year The middle half earn $46,878 to $84,377.
- About 240,900 people worked in this job in 2023, and about 262,800 are projected by 2033. (+9.1%)
- Projected labour market to 2033: balance.
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Questions people ask
How do I become a sales and account representatives - wholesale trade?
Completion of secondary school is required. A university degree or completion of a college or other program may be required. Experience in sales or in an occupation related to the product or service is usually required. Fluency in a foreign language and/or foreign country work or travel experience may be required for sales representatives seeking employment with companies that import or export goods or services. Supervisors and senior sales representatives require experience. Voluntary certification is available from the Canadian Professional Sales Association.
How much does a sales and account representatives - wholesale trade earn in Canada?
Median full-time pay is $61,425 a year (Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank)). The middle half earn $46,878 to $84,377.
Is a sales and account representatives - wholesale trade a growing career in Canada?
Yes. Employment is projected to grow 9% by 2033, from about 240,900 to about 262,800 people (Employment and Social Development Canada).
Do you need a degree to become a sales and account representatives - wholesale trade?
Not always. 29% of people in this job hold a bachelor's degree or higher.
Sources
- Statistics Canada: Census 2021: employment by occupation, gender and education (98-10-0449) (2021 Census), Statistics Canada Open Licence, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Statistics Canada: National Occupational Classification (NOC) 2021 (Version 1.0), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada: Canadian Occupational Projection System (COPS) (2024 to 2033), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
- Employment and Social Development Canada (Job Bank): Wages by occupation (2025 (revised 2025-11-19)), Open Government Licence - Canada, retrieved 2026-10-03
Updated 2026-10-03