Cosmetology Sales Representative
Cosmetology sales representatives who work for beauty supply manufacturers and distributors are responsible for selling beauty products and educating clients about product features and benefits. They may also demonstrate how beauty products should be used.
Cosmetology sales representatives are often responsible for promotional efforts and may have to attend trade shows to both showcase products and keep current with the rest of the industry. Work in sales is often competitive, and representatives may be urged to meet sales quotas. However, workers have the flexibility to work around their home or life schedules.
Career Requirements
| Degree Level | Certificate or associate's degree |
| Degree Field | Not specific; certificates or degrees in sales and/or cosmetology are applicable |
| Certification | Not required, though organizations like the National Association of Sales Professionals offer relevant certification |
| Experience | 2+ years of experience in sales; beauty-related sales experience preferred |
| Key Skills | Strong people, communication, and selling skills; self-motivation; ability to use Microsoft Office programs, including Excel |
| Salary (2020) | $42,906 per year (median salary for retail sales representatives) $49,642 (median salary for outside sales representatives) |
Source: PayScale.com (2020)
Cosmetology sales representatives work well with other people, demonstrating outstanding communication and selling skills. Self-motivation is a key quality. This career requires someone who is comfortable using Microsoft Office programs, including Excel. PayScale.com reported in 2020 that the median salary of outside sales representatives in general was $49,642, while retail sales representatives earned a median salary of $42,906.
Steps to Be a Cosmetology Sales Rep
Cosmetology sales representatives have a combination of highly specialized education and training, as well as related industry experience.
Step 1: Complete a Certificate or Degree Program
Aspiring cosmetology sales representatives can expand their knowledge of the beauty field by completing a postsecondary cosmetology program. Many community colleges and beauty schools offer cosmetology certificate and associate's degree programs.
Certificate programs generally last less than a year, while associate's degree programs last 1-2 years. Common coursework includes scalp and hair care, skin care, chemical treatments, hair cutting, and hair coloring. Alternatively, many schools offer sales and marketing programs, which also provide future sales representatives with the background and sales skills necessary for employment in the field.
Step 2: Accrue Beauty Industry Experience
Employers typically prefer candidates who have experience working as a cosmetologist or in a customer service position within the beauty industry. An entry-level retail sales position in a salon or beauty store can bring familiarity with current products and provide the experience necessary for a sales position with a beauty product company.
Consider becoming a licensed cosmetologist. Individuals who have completed a cosmetology program are typically eligible to apply for their state's cosmetology license. Although not required, licensure may give sales representatives an upper hand when seeking employment. License examinations test basic cosmetology principles and procedures and may include a practical test.
Step 3: Gain Sales Experience
Most employers looking to hire cosmetology sales representatives prefer candidates to have prior sales experience. Some companies provide on-the-job training for new sales representatives; however, experience or additional training as a product representative can be advantageous to job applicants.
Entry-level sales representatives can perform market research and make introductory product presentations to clients within a specific area, gaining essential experience interacting with customers, while more experienced representatives follow up to close the deal.
Step 4: Get Certified
Certification programs provided by professional associations can help aspiring sales representatives learn about negotiation, relationship-building tactics, and other sales techniques. The Manufacturers' Representatives Educational Research Foundation offers a Certified Sales Professional (CSP) training program that, if successfully completed, results in the CSP designation. The National Association of Sales Professionals also offers training programs for both new and experienced sales representatives that result in certification. Possessing credentials from such professional organizations may increase a sales representative's chances of finding employment. Individuals should keep in mind that continuing education may be required to maintain these credentials.
Step 5: Become a Manager or Supervisor
Those sales representatives who have gained some experience in the field of cosmetology might have the opportunity for advancement. Becoming a sales manager may be possible for representatives who have exhibited a sense of leadership and excellence in sales as they are typically capable of moving into higher-level roles.
Cosmetology sales representatives have a background in both cosmetology ad retail sales, often through a combination of postsecondary education, training, and experience. Depending on the career path, a cosmetology sales representative may have a state-issued cosmetology license and/or voluntary professional certification.
