WHAT IS AN outside sales estimator jobs
Outside sales estimator jobs are positions that involve estimating the costs and expenses associated with sales outside of the company's physical location. These professionals play a crucial role in determining the pricing and profitability of products or services offered by the company. They analyze various factors, such as market trends, customer demands, and production costs, to provide accurate estimates for potential sales. This information helps businesses make informed decisions regarding pricing strategies and resource allocation.
WHAT USUALLY DO IN THIS POSITION
In an outside sales estimator role, professionals typically perform a range of tasks to fulfill their responsibilities. These tasks may include:
1. Gathering Information: Outside sales estimators collect data on factors that can affect sales, such as market conditions, customer preferences, and competitors' pricing strategies. They also analyze historical sales data to identify trends and patterns.
2. Estimating Costs: Using the gathered information, sales estimators calculate the costs involved in producing and delivering products or services. This includes considering factors like raw material costs, labor expenses, transportation costs, and overhead expenses.
3. Pricing Analysis: Based on the estimated costs, outside sales estimators determine the appropriate pricing for products or services. They take into account market demand, competitor pricing, and profit margins to set competitive and profitable prices.
4. Sales Forecasting: Sales estimators also forecast future sales volumes based on their analysis of market trends, customer behavior, and other relevant factors. This helps businesses plan their production, inventory, and resource allocation strategies.
5. Collaboration: Outside sales estimators often collaborate with other departments, such as sales, marketing, and finance, to gather necessary information and ensure alignment with the overall business strategy. They may also communicate with customers or suppliers to gather additional data or clarify requirements.
TOP 5 SKILLS FOR POSITION
To excel in an outside sales estimator position, individuals should possess a combination of technical and interpersonal skills. Here are the top five skills that are important for this role:
1. Analytical Skills: Outside sales estimators need strong analytical skills to gather, interpret, and analyze data related to market trends, costs, and pricing. They should be able to identify patterns, draw insights, and make accurate estimations based on the available information.
2. Attention to Detail: Estimating costs and pricing products requires attention to detail to ensure accuracy. Small errors can have a significant impact on profitability, so outside sales estimators must be meticulous in their calculations and analysis.
3. Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for outside sales estimators as they need to collaborate with various stakeholders, including sales teams, marketing teams, and customers. They should be able to explain their estimations and findings clearly and concisely.
4. Financial Acumen: A solid understanding of financial concepts and principles is essential for outside sales estimators. They need to be able to interpret financial data, calculate costs accurately, and assess the financial impact of pricing decisions.
5. Problem-Solving Skills: Outside sales estimators often encounter complex problems and challenges when estimating costs and pricing. They should have strong problem-solving skills to identify solutions, think critically, and make informed decisions that align with the company's objectives.
HOW TO BECOME THIS TYPE OF SPECIALIST
To become an outside sales estimator, certain steps can be taken to acquire the necessary skills and qualifications:
1. Education: A bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as finance, business, or economics is typically required for this position. Coursework in accounting, statistics, and business analytics can provide a solid foundation for a career in sales estimation.
2. Gain Experience: Entry-level positions in sales or finance departments can provide valuable experience and insights into the industry. This experience allows individuals to understand sales processes, financial analysis, and market dynamics, which are essential for becoming a successful outside sales estimator.
3. Develop Analytical Skills: Taking additional courses or pursuing certifications in data analysis, financial modeling, or statistics can enhance analytical skills. These skills are crucial for accurately estimating costs and pricing.
4. Stay Updated: Keeping up with industry trends, market conditions, and technological advancements is important for outside sales estimators. Continuous learning through industry publications, webinars, and networking can help professionals stay updated and adapt to changing business environments.
5. Refine Communication Skills: Outside sales estimators should focus on developing effective communication skills to convey complex information to various stakeholders. Public speaking courses, writing workshops, and interpersonal skills training can improve communication abilities.
AVERAGE SALARY
The average salary for outside sales estimators can vary depending on factors such as experience, location, and industry. According to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for cost estimators, which includes outside sales estimators, was $65,250 as of May 2020. However, it is important to note that salaries can range significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $40,000 and experienced professionals earning over $100,000 per year.
ROLES AND TYPES
Outside sales estimator jobs can be found in various industries, including manufacturing, construction, retail, and services. Some common roles and types of outside sales estimator positions include:
1. Manufacturing Estimator: These professionals estimate costs for manufacturing products, considering factors such as raw materials, labor, equipment, and overhead expenses. They work closely with production teams to ensure accurate cost estimations and profitability.
2. Construction Estimator: Construction estimators determine the costs involved in construction projects, including materials, labor, subcontractors, permits, and equipment. They analyze blueprints, specifications, and site conditions to provide accurate estimates for bidding and project planning.
3. Retail Estimator: Retail estimators estimate costs for retail products, considering factors such as wholesale prices, shipping costs, and profit margins. They analyze market trends, customer demand, and competitor pricing to set competitive prices and maximize profitability.
4. Services Estimator: Services estimators estimate costs for service-based businesses, such as consulting firms or IT service providers. They consider factors such as labor hours, expertise required, and overhead expenses to provide accurate cost estimates for clients.
LOCATIONS WITH THE MOST POPULAR JOBS IN USA
Outside sales estimator jobs can be found throughout the United States, with certain locations having a higher demand for these professionals. Some of the locations with a high concentration of outside sales estimator jobs in the USA include:
1. California: With a thriving economy and a diverse range of industries, California offers numerous opportunities for outside sales estimators. Cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego are particularly known for their job markets.
2. Texas: Texas has a strong presence in industries such as manufacturing, construction, and energy, creating a demand for outside sales estimators. Cities like Houston, Dallas, and Austin often have a high number of job openings in this field.
3. New York: Being a hub for finance, retail, and services, New York City offers a variety of opportunities for outside sales estimators. The city's vibrant business environment attracts professionals from various industries.
4. Florida: With its booming real estate market, tourism industry, and retail sector, Florida is another state where outside sales estimator jobs are in demand. Cities like Miami, Orlando, and Tampa offer numerous job opportunities.
5. Illinois: Illinois, particularly the Chicago metropolitan area, has a strong presence in manufacturing, construction, and services industries. This creates a need for skilled outside sales estimators to support business operations.
WHAT ARE THE TYPICAL TOOLS
Outside sales estimators utilize various tools and software to perform their job duties effectively. Some typical tools and technologies used in this role include:
1. Spreadsheet Software: Estimators often use spreadsheet software, such as Microsoft Excel or Google Sheets, to organize and analyze data. These tools allow them to create formulas, perform calculations, and visualize data in charts or graphs.
2. Cost Estimation Software: Specialized software programs designed for cost estimation help outside sales estimators streamline their tasks. These tools often include features for data analysis, cost breakdowns, and project management.
3. Market Research Tools: To gather market data and analyze trends, outside sales estimators may use market research tools and platforms. These tools provide access to industry reports, competitor analysis, and customer surveys.
4. Project Management Software: When working on complex projects, outside sales estimators may utilize project management software to track progress, collaborate with team members, and manage timelines.
5. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: CRM software helps outside sales estimators manage customer relationships, track sales leads, and analyze customer behavior. These tools can provide valuable insights for estimating sales volumes and pricing strategies.
IN CONCLUSION
Outside sales estimator jobs play a crucial role in estimating costs, determining pricing strategies, and forecasting sales volumes. Professionals in this field need a combination of analytical skills, attention to detail, communication abilities, financial acumen, and problem-solving capabilities. By acquiring the necessary education, gaining relevant experience, and developing these skills, individuals can pursue a successful career as an outside sales estimator. With opportunities available in various industries and locations across the United States, this profession offers a promising pathway for those interested in sales analysis and estimation.