If there’s one job besides golf pro that it seems like everyone wants, it’s selling for a major golf Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) like Titleist, TaylorMade or Callaway. Let’s explore the requirements to get hired as an outside sales representative for a major golf brand, and look at other alternatives as well. Required Skill Sets for Golf Sales Jobs Perhaps you are a good golfer and have successful sales experience in another field, or you are just starting your career. Here are some skill sets you want to develop: Networking Skills. In the business world, companies like to hire people they know, like and trust. One of your first steps should be to network extensively in the industry. At this stage, avoid pushing for a job or interview. Get to know people at tournaments, conferences, outings, association meetings and retail stores. Present yourself as a friendly, smart, assertive person that others like to be around. You can start this process right away by getting to know people in your job or at school. f you are working at a golf course, for example, introduce yourself to people that work there or do business with the course. If you are in school, get to know your fellow students and instructors. Selling Skills. You must be able to demonstrate a record of successful sales in your current job, and show your ability to set goals, identify opportunities, organize resources and overcome challenges to maximize sales and profit. Communication Skills. Develop your ability to listen and show people you understand their needs. Speak clearly and assertively. Write business documents like emails and letters with clarity and conviction. Computer Skills. Today’s selling environment is highly technical. Depending on how the company is set up, you should have familiarity and proficiency with Customer Relationship Manager (CRM) programs and other sales tools, as well as programs like Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Customer Skills. Strive for a service mindset that puts clients first. Help them determine their needs and make sure they are met. Be creative in finding ways to exceed their requirements within the resources you have at hand. Education. A look at current sales rep listings at several major golf brands reveals they usually require a degree or equivalent experience, as well as several years of selling experience, preferably managing accounts in an outside sales territory. They also prefer applicants with experience in the golf industry and that have a strong knowledge of the game. Top Jobs in High Demand Getting a job in sales for a major golf brand is not easy, and the jobs are in high demand. The job itself is not easy either, involving lots of travel and long days. There are many demonstration events during the day and at night as well, and you’ll want to be available for those. An alternative to selling for a major brand is to set up as an independent manufacturer’s representative for a number of brands. You’ll perform many of the same functions as a major brand rep, but the work is just as demanding because you’ll need to know several companies and their product lines. Golf, like many industries, is largely built on relationships. Create and nurture strong contacts your entire career – you’ll hear about more job openings, get referred more often, and have more positive references to offer when interviewing for your dream job. To learn more about the golf degree program at Keiser University College of Golf, Contact us today.
How to get a job in the golf industry….? Dear Rick #EP68
Types of golf sales positions
There are many types of golf sales positions available, including:
Independent sales representative
An independent sales representative works with golf companies as an independent contractor. These professionals often travel as part of their job and promote the golf companys products to individuals or organizations within their region. An independent sales representative may work for one golf company at a time or multiple, depending on the terms of their contract.
Brand and product salesperson
A brand and product salesperson is a sales representative who works full time for a specific golf company. They represent their companys products and brand in a positive light while helping customers make smart purchasing choices and meeting their sales quotas. Other responsibilities include negotiating contract terms with customers, generating new leads, maintaining relationships with past customers and creating sales reports.
Golf club fitter
A golf club fitter helps golfers determine the best type and size of various golfing products for their unique style and preferences. Golf club fitters make these determinations by asking their customers to go through various tests, such as swinging or putting a golf ball. A golf club fitter can then analyze what type or size of golf clubs and other equipment might help their customers perform their best.
Retail sales associate
A golfing retail sales associate works at a physical shop that sells golf products directly to customers. Retail sales associates at golf stores often provide product demonstrations on a golf course or allow their customers to try the products themselves. They can also help with customer support issues, such as returning merchandise or answering questions about upcoming product launches.
Retail sales manager
A golfing retail sales manager supervises operations and staff at a golf retail shop. Golfing retail sales managers coordinate shift schedules for their employees, hire and train new staff members and maintain sales records for their store. A retail sales manager may also work closely with golf manufacturers to determine which products to stock on their shelves.
Sales executive
A golfing sales executive is a company leader who manages golf sales operations and staff members at multiple branches or retail shops. Larger golf companies hire sales executives to manage the overall processes and protocols for their sales personnel. A sales executives job responsibilities include determining their businesss overall sales objectives, analyzing sales data from multiple stores or branches, devising new sales strategies based on their data analysis and providing key stakeholders with regular updates.
Merchandise coordinator
Merchandise coordinators keep retail shops well-stocked and organized with products. They carefully monitor inventory levels to evaluate their customers needs and determine which products to restock. Merchandise coordinators also devise various ways of showcasing products in-store to attract their customers attention, such as through colorful or interactive displays.
What is a golf sales job?
A golf sales job is a sales position for a professional in the golf industry. Professionals employed in golf sales positions explain their merchandise to customers, choose which products to promote, use sales strategies such as data analysis and cold calls, track company expenses and strive to meet sales quotas.
Golf sales professionals may work at a retail shop as an associate or at a golf manufacturer in a more advanced sales representative role. A golf sales professional may also find employment opportunities through a private golf club or the Professional Golfers Association (PGA).
Please note that none of the organizations mentioned in this article are affiliated with Indeed.
Benefits of working in golf sales
There can be many advantages to getting a job as a golf sales professional, including:
How to get a job in golf sales
Following are eight steps on how to get a job in golf sales:
1. Understand golf
Become an expert in the game of golf. Employers in the golf industry typically prefer to hire candidates who have expert knowledge about how golf works for their sales positions. Golf sales professionals may need to perform a range of tasks that rely on their understanding of golf, including describing to customers how various products could positively affect their game, answering customers queries or helping customers try the merchandise before they buy it.
To develop a deeper understanding of the game of golf, consider joining or playing regularly at a golf club with other talented players. You might also want to take golf lessons.
2. Get a high school diploma
Earn a high school diploma or an equivalent like a GED. Education requirements for golf sales positions can vary based on factors like the golf companys requirements and the exact position you want. Most golfing employers request that sales candidates have a high school diploma.
3. Consider earning a degree
Think about earning a bachelors degree. If you want a higher-level sales position, such as a brand and product salesperson or sales executive role, then you may first need to earn a bachelors degree in a subject like business, marketing or merchandising. A bachelors degree can help distinguish your advanced knowledge and skill set when applying for jobs.
4. Network
Build and maintain a network of other golfing professionals. Networking can be a great way to make connections with other professionals in the golfing industry, build your golf or sales skills, develop your resume and learn about potential job opportunities. Strategies for networking in the golfing industry can include playing with groups at municipal or private facilities, eating with diners at a private golf club and joining a professional association.
5. Think about completing a certificate program
Considering earning a certificate related to golf sales. Completing a certificate program can demonstrate to employers your commitment to furthering your golfing sales career. Aspiring golf sales representatives might consider earning certificates in subjects such as sales, merchandising or brand representation.
6. Attend industry conferences
Go to conferences, conventions, lectures or workshops held by professionals in the golfing industry. Many golfing professionals attend conferences run by the PGA. At these conferences, the PGA often creates a board for currently open job positions that aspiring golf sales representatives can consult. Professionals in the golf industry might also find smaller local or online conventions to attend.
7. Apply for entry-level jobs
Submit applications for entry-level golfing positions. Most sales representatives at larger golfing companies or manufacturers begin their careers by starting in an entry-level role and advancing their careers over time. These sales representatives typically start off in other roles and fields, such as a customer service representative or technology support assistant, before moving into sales.
8. Become an independent contractor
Think about becoming an independent sales representative. If you prefer to work for a smaller golf company, launch your golfing sales career by becoming an independent contractor in sales. While you might earn less in this position than you would at a larger company, independent contractors at golfing companies can begin working in sales immediately.
Average salaries for golf sales jobs
There isnt enough data available to determine the average salary for golf sales professionals. However, there is salary data available for various sales positions across industries. For the most up-to-date information on salaries, please click on the links below:
Skills for professionals in golf sales
If you want to find employment in a golf sales position, consider developing the following skills. Its important to remember that various golf sales roles may require candidates to possess unique skills, depending on factors such as the company and position:
Active listening
Golf sales professionals use active listening skills to understand each customers personal golfing needs and preferences. For example, while some customers may know which golf club they want to buy, others may want help in fitting or testing a range of golf clubs before they purchase. Active listening skills that golfing sales professionals may use include paying close attention, demonstrating that theyre listening and providing a summation of the customers needs afterward.
Client acquisition
Client acquisition refers to engaging prospective new customers and interesting them in your products or services. A golfing sales professional understands how to attract and sell to potential customers to ensure that they reach their personal sales quotas and that their company continually generates new business. Sales professionals might use a range of tactics to acquire new clients, such as offering discounts, promoting their brand or asking existing customers for referrals.
Negotiation
Negotiation skills can help golf sales professionals successfully discuss, explain or revise sales contract terms with their customers. Golfing sales professionals know how to conduct these negotiations in a courteous and direct manner so that customers are clear about the contract terms. Negotiation abilities that golfing sales professionals may use include compromising, persuading and strategizing.
Emotional intelligence
Emotional intelligence refers to a persons ability to evaluate others or their own emotions. Golfing sales professionals can use emotional intelligence to analyze their customers potential feelings or thoughts about their interactions and learn how to respond appropriately. An important aspect of emotional intelligence is understanding how to interpret nonverbal cues, such as body language, tone of voice and facial expressions.
Customer retention
Professionals in golf sales foster and maintain positive relationships with their customers. They often do this through customer retention skills. Strategies that golfing sales professionals may use to keep their customers include regularly corresponding, following up with customers and rewarding customer loyalty.
Organization
Sales professionals in the golfing industry often balance a range of responsibilities, including finding new prospective clients, maintaining relationships with former clients, closing deals and tracking sales data. Organizational abilities can help these professionals ensure that they successfully manage and complete all of their job duties. Knowing how to prioritize tasks, for example, can help golf sales employees determine which of their responsibilities to complete first.
Teamwork
A golf sales professional may work regularly with other professionals at their company or in the industry. These other professionals may include sales colleagues, third-party vendor representatives, marketing consultants or product developers. Teamwork skills that golf sales professionals can benefit from having include communication, persuasion, adaptability and collaboration.
FAQ
How do you become a golf rep?
- Bachelor’s Degree.
- 2 – 4 years of golf retail experience.
- Solid understanding of merchandising for golf and surf retail stores.
- Must maintain an excellent driving record.
- Knowledge of PC-based Word, Excel, Outlook, Explorer, and PowerPoint.
How do I get a job in the golf industry?
How much do Callaway Golf reps make?
Is golf a good career?
