Example Career: Demonstrators and Product Promoters

Career Description

Demonstrate merchandise and answer questions for the purpose of creating public interest in buying the product. May sell demonstrated merchandise.

What Job Titles Demonstrators and Product Promoters Might Have

• Demonstrator
• In Store Demonstrator
• Merchandiser
• Product Demonstrator

What Demonstrators and Product Promoters Do

• Provide product samples, coupons, informational brochures, or other incentives to persuade people to buy products.
• Sell products being promoted and keep records of sales.
• Keep areas neat while working and return items to correct locations following demonstrations.
• Demonstrate or explain products, methods, or services to persuade customers to purchase products or use services.
• Record and report demonstration-related information, such as the number of questions asked by the audience or the number of coupons distributed.
• Suggest specific product purchases to meet customers' needs.
• Research or investigate products to be presented to prepare for demonstrations.
• Set up and arrange displays or demonstration areas to attract the attention of prospective customers.
• Identify interested and qualified customers to provide them with additional information.
• Visit trade shows, stores, community organizations, or other venues to demonstrate products or services or to answer questions from potential customers.
• Transport, assemble, and disassemble materials used in presentations.
• Practice demonstrations to ensure that they will run smoothly.
• Learn about competitors' products or consumers' interests or concerns to answer questions or provide more complete information.
• Instruct customers in alteration of products.
• Work as part of a team of demonstrators to accommodate large crowds.
• Prepare or alter presentation contents to target specific audiences.
• Stock shelves with products.
• Provide product information, using lectures, films, charts, or slide shows.
• Train demonstrators to present a company's products or services.
• Recommend product or service improvements to employers.
• Contact businesses or civic establishments to arrange to exhibit and sell merchandise.
• Wear costumes or sign boards and walk in public to promote merchandise, services, or events.
• Write articles or pamphlets about products.

What Demonstrators and Product Promoters Should Be Good At

• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• Speech Clarity - The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.
• Speech Recognition - The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

What Demonstrators and Product Promoters Should Be Interested In

• Enterprising - Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

What Demonstrators and Product Promoters Need to Learn

• Customer and Personal Service - Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
• Sales and Marketing - Knowledge of principles and methods for showing, promoting, and selling products or services. This includes marketing strategy and tactics, product demonstration, sales techniques, and sales control systems.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Food Production - Knowledge of techniques and equipment for planting, growing, and harvesting food products (both plant and animal) for consumption, including storage/handling techniques.