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It is difficult to speak of an OEM industry, necessarily, since OEM describes a place in the supply chain in a model that applies to many industries. OEM sales involve selling a product that has been manufactured to a business that can put its own brand on the product. For example, a refrigerator manufacturer like Frigidaire, for example, may sell refrigerators to outlets like Sears, who will sell the products under their own name. Sears will also provide customer service and support, and possibly bonus features. This is also referred to as a value-added reseller (VAR).

In other situations (this phrase is common in computer and IT industries), the "OEM" is considered the reseller, and not the manufacturer. FoxConn, for example, produces products for Apple, which is considered the "OEM" in this case. Perhaps in an effort to distinguish the manufacturer without using the term "OEM," FoxConn is also referred to as an "original design manufacturer." In 2011, 94% of all notebooks were designed and produced by Taiwanese OEM companies.

As a manufacturer of parts, securing contracts to provide your product to resellers requires hard-working outside sales representatives, often with a technical background. Outside sales representatives often need to have a high level of understanding of engineering plans and prints, and an ability to speak fluently about your and similar products. OEM sales reps are essential to getting your products to the resellers, whether in CNC machining, industrial castings, forgings, stampings, injection molding, and so on.

OEM sales reps enjoy a challenging career that often requires a lot of travel to visit higher-level executives at some of the world's most prominent businesses. OEM reps are often responsible for helping businesses include more of their company’s products in their line, and following major industrial sales trends.

If you are in the OEM industry and need to find highly qualified sales outside reps, sign up with RepHunter to find great commission-only OEM sales reps. RepHunter is also the best place to find manufacturers and expand your lines if you are an OEM sales rep. Get started today by clicking on one of our buttons to the right.

As in many other sales industries, success in selling industrial and OEM as a commission-only outside sales rep involves carrying multiple lines. Knowing your market and knowing your existing customer base well are important to making the most of any OEM sales jobs opportunities. Where can you find lines to add to your portfolio that will help you make the most possible commission as an independent sales rep?

Check out the tips from RepHunter below and learn how to get the most out of your OEM sales opportunities, whether in machining, CNC or any of the vast array of industrial sectors.

Know Your Market

The most lucrative opportunities in OEM sales emerge where manufacturers are just beginning to break into new markets. To grow faster, such companies often are seeking independent industrial and OEM sales reps able to drive sales quickly with their existing knowledge of a territory, and willing to be paid based on performance. As an OEM sales rep looking for the best new lines, consider what you know about the customers for your existing lines, and find the commonalities between them. If you provide IT equipment to customers, is there a piece that is missing that they talk about that you could add to your lines? Do industrial customers have additional needs you could service, since they trust you? Search in your territory for companies trying to break through with needed products, or even reach out to companies about outside sales rep opportunities that are not yet in your territory. Identify where there are new contracts just waiting to happen, and add lines based on that.

Combine Contacts & Experience

Selling OEM requires experience, which is shown not just through education and ability to easily understand technical jargon and engineering considerations, but also through years of success in building relationships in a territory. OEM sales jobs, particularly those offered to independent, commission-only outside sales reps, lean heavily on the accumulated knowledge of a rep in a particular area. This is why commissions can be so lucrative in OEM sales. As with any sales job, be willing to sell the story of you, your history, and your knowledge of the particular OEM niche you are working within.

To find OEMs that can provide great OEM sales job opportunities as an independent, commission-only outside sales representative, use RepHunter. Sign up today by clicking on the button below.