What Does a Sales Administrative Assistant Do?

Sales administrative assistants are the behind-the-scenes workers who keep sales teams running smoothly. They handle a wide range of tasks that support salespeople’s efforts to sell products or services to customers.

Sales administrative assistants may be involved in many different aspects of the sales process, including creating and maintaining customer databases, scheduling appointments with potential clients, handling incoming phone calls from prospective buyers, and more.

Sales Administrative Assistant Job Duties

A sales administrative assistant typically has a wide range of responsibilities, which can include:

• Providing support to other members of their team by answering phones, greeting clients, or arranging meetings
• Communicating with customers via phone, email, or mail to answer questions about products or services
• Performing administrative tasks such as filing, photocopying, scanning documents, and typing correspondence
• Maintaining client databases and updating customer contact information
• Coordinating with vendors to track orders, ensure prompt shipment of goods, and confirm delivery dates
• Scheduling appointments with clients to discuss product features and pricing options
• Making travel arrangements for sales staff including booking flights, arranging for hotel reservations, and ordering rental cars
• Assisting with the development of proposals and presentations to potential clients
• Keeping track of customer records and contracts in order to manage accounts

Sales Administrative Assistant Salary & Outlook

Sales administrative assistants’ salaries vary depending on their level of education, years of experience, and the size and industry of the company. They may also earn additional compensation in the form of commissions and bonuses.

• Median Annual Salary: $39,500 ($18.99/hour)
• Top 10% Annual Salary: $64,500 ($31.01/hour)

The employment of sales administrative assistants is expected to decline over the next decade.

Employment growth will be limited because many companies are automating some tasks that sales administrative assistants currently perform, such as entering data into spreadsheets or updating databases. As a result, these workers may be assigned fewer tasks and spend more time on other activities, such as customer service.

Related: 25 Sales Administrative Assistant Interview Questions and Answers

Sales Administrative Assistant Job Requirements

A sales administrative assistant typically needs to have the following qualifications:

Education: Entry-level sales administrative assistants should have a minimum of a high school diploma or GED and preferably a bachelor’s degree in business, marketing or a related field. Relevant coursework includes business law, marketing, sales, economics, finance and accounting.

Training & Experience: Sales administrative assistants typically receive on-the-job training to learn the specific processes and procedures of the company. Training may include learning the company’s computer programs, filing systems and customer service procedures. Sales administrative assistants who have previous experience in customer service or clerical work may require less training.

Certifications & Licenses: While sales administrative assistant roles don’t require certifications, many hiring managers prefer candidates who have earned a professional credential. Certifications show that a professional has the skills and experience to succeed in a advanced position.

Sales Administrative Assistant Skills

Sales administrative assistants need the following skills in order to be successful:

Organization: Organization is another skill that can help you be a more effective sales administrative assistant. You may be responsible for keeping track of sales leads, customer information and other data. Being able to keep your workspace and other areas of the office organized can help you be more efficient and make it easier for your coworkers to find the information they need.

Communication: Communication is the act of conveying information through speech or writing. As an office assistant, you may be required to communicate with customers over the phone or in person, as well as through email. You may also be required to communicate with other departments or employees to relay messages or information.

Data entry: Data entry is the process of entering information into a computer system. As an office assistant, you may be responsible for entering sales data into a spreadsheet or database. This is a crucial skill for your job, so it’s important to be able to type quickly and accurately.

Problem-solving: Problem-solving skills allow you to identify and resolve issues. As an office assistant, you may be responsible for handling customer complaints, so it’s important to know how to identify and address issues. You may also be responsible for handling issues with company products, so it’s important to know how to resolve these issues.

Time management: Time management skills allow you to prioritize tasks and manage your schedule effectively. As an office assistant, you may be responsible for scheduling appointments, maintaining a calendar and keeping track of sales data. Having strong time management skills can help you complete all of your tasks in a timely manner.

Sales Administrative Assistant Work Environment

Sales administrative assistants work in a fast-paced environment and are often required to juggle multiple tasks at once. They work closely with sales representatives, managers, and other staff members to ensure that sales goals are met. They also interact with customers on a daily basis, either in person or over the phone. Sales administrative assistants must be able to handle customer inquiries and complaints in a professional manner. They may work long hours, including evenings and weekends, to meet deadlines or to accommodate the schedules of sales representatives.

Sales Administrative Assistant Trends

Here are three trends influencing how sales administrative assistants work. Sales administrative assistants will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

The Growth of Digital Sales

The growth of digital sales is a trend that is quickly changing the way businesses sell their products and services. As more and more people shop online, sales assistants will need to learn how to work with customers through digital channels.

This means that sales assistants will need to be comfortable using social media platforms, such as Facebook and Twitter, to communicate with customers. They will also need to be familiar with online marketing tools, such as Google AdWords, in order to promote products and services.

More Focus on Customer Experience

As customer experience becomes more important, sales assistants will need to focus on providing excellent service. This includes understanding what customers want and meeting their needs in a timely manner.

Sales assistants can utilize this trend by developing skills in customer service and communication. They should also be prepared to handle difficult situations and provide solutions for customers who are unhappy with the product or service they received.

Greater Use of Technology

Technology is playing an increasingly important role in the sales process. Sales assistants who are able to use technology effectively will be better positioned to help their companies succeed.

In order to take advantage of this trend, sales assistants should be familiar with the latest technologies and how to use them to improve the sales process. They should also be able to understand the importance of data-driven decision making and how to use data to make informed decisions about the direction of the company.

How to Become a Sales Administrative Assistant

A career as an administrative assistant can be a great way to get your foot in the door of a company. It’s a chance to learn about different departments and see how things work from the inside. You’ll also have the opportunity to meet people from all levels of the company, which can lead to new opportunities down the road.

The best way to start your career as an administrative assistant is to find a company that matches your interests and skills. Do some research on the company and its culture before applying for a job. Make sure you have the right qualifications and experience for the position. And always be professional and courteous when communicating with employees and customers.

Advancement Prospects

Sales administrative assistants can advance their careers by taking on additional responsibilities, such as training new employees or taking on special projects. They may also be promoted to sales coordinator or sales manager. Those who are interested in moving into a different field may use their sales experience to transition into a related field, such as marketing or customer service.

Sales Administrative Assistant Job Description Example

The Sales Administrative Assistant will provide clerical and administrative support to the sales team, including but not limited to preparing sales reports, maintaining customer records, and processing customer orders. The Sales Administrative Assistant will also be responsible for handling customer inquiries, preparing presentations and proposals, and coordinating travel arrangements for the sales team. The ideal candidate will be highly organized, detail-oriented, and have excellent communication and customer service skills.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Answer customer inquiries and direct them to the appropriate sales representative
• Update customer information in the company database
• Generate reports requested by sales managers and representatives
• Prepare presentations for sales meetings
• Coordinate travel arrangements for sales staff
• Manage the sales team’s schedule
• Process orders and invoices
• Handle returns and complaints
• Maintain inventory records
• Train new sales administrative assistants
• Implement office policies set by the sales manager
• Assist with the development of marketing campaigns
• Perform market research
• Help develop sales strategies

Required Skills and Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Proven experience as an administrative assistant, sales support representative, or similar role
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, with aptitude to learn new software and systems
• Excellent organizational and time-management skills
• Accurate data entry and attention to detail

Preferred Skills and Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or higher
• Previous experience working in a sales environment
• Experience with customer relationship management (CRM) software
• Familiarity with social media platforms
• Creative problem-solving skills