When a product is sitting on the shelf, it's easy not to notice it. The job of demonstrators and product promoters is to bring the product to a shopper's attention. Demonstrators promote sales of a product to consumers. Product promoters try to induce retail stores to sell particular products and ma ...
rket them effectively. They work in stores, on television and sometimes door-to-door, showing potential customers why a particular item is a must-have.
This is not a job for the shy or withdrawn. It's an enterprising occupation that often comes with a commission for each sale. That adds enthusiasm to the pitch, but it helps if you believe in the product, too. Some demonstrators and product promoters are hired part-time during holiday shopping rushes, or during special promotions. So this is a job that might fit in with other activities, such as going to school, or auditioning for a job as an actor.
Certainly acting skills can be called into play. You have to appear as enthusiastic about the product you're demonstrating on the fiftieth pitch of the day as you did on the first. If you're interested in this field, you can get a referral from a working product demonstrator. Or check the yellow pages for in-store or retail promotions firms. Once hired, you'll probably be given a specific script to use by the product manager. But the charm, clarity, and credibility needed to convince the customer will be all yours.
SNAPSHOT
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Demonstrate merchandise and answer questions for the purpose of creating public interest in buying the product. May sell demonstrated merchandise.
Leadership
HIGH
Critical decision making
HIGH
Level of responsibilities
LOW
Job challenge and pressure to meet deadlines
LOW
Dealing and handling conflict
LOW
Competition for this position
HIGH
Communication with others
LOW
Work closely with team members, clients etc.
HIGH
Comfort of the work setting
HIGH
Exposure to extreme environmental conditions
LOW
Exposure to job hazards
LOW
Physical demands
LOW
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DAILY TASKS
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Work as part of a team of demonstrators to accommodate large crowds.
Prepare or alter presentation contents to target specific audiences.
Demonstrate or explain products, methods, or services to persuade customers to purchase products or use services.
Keep areas neat while working and return items to correct locations following demonstrations.
Transport, assemble, and disassemble materials used in presentations.
Practice demonstrations to ensure that they will run smoothly.
Record and report demonstration-related information, such as the number of questions asked by the audience or the number of coupons distributed.
Set up and arrange displays or demonstration areas to attract the attention of prospective customers.
Provide product samples, coupons, informational brochures, or other incentives to persuade people to buy products.
Learn about competitors' products or consumers' interests or concerns to answer questions or provide more complete information.
Identify interested and qualified customers to provide them with additional information.
MAIN ACTIVITIES
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Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
AREAS OF KNOWLEDGE
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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.
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.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Communications and Media
Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods. This includes alternative ways to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media.
Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Public Safety and Security
Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.
Telecommunications
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
KEY ABILITIES
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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.
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Near Vision
The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
Far Vision
The ability to see details at a distance.
Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
TOP SKILLS
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Persuasion
Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation
Actively looking for ways to help people.
Coordination
Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.
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