Responsibilities

• Sales reps suggest suitable products for customers.makeup image by DXfoto.com from Fotolia.com
  
  Cosmetics sales reps are the ambassadors of the makeup company and the first point of contact with the customer. Their job is to know their product line thoroughly and provide suggestions to customers to make sales. Some cosmetics reps may provide makeovers and product demonstrations to clients to increase their sales. In addition to selling cosmetics, a sales representative is responsible for handling cash, credit and debit transactions, maintaining stock levels, counting inventory, pricing merchandise, setting up displays and promotional materials, and learning about loss prevention. A cosmetics sales rep who works from home will have added shipping and order tracking responsibilities as they monitor their customer's orders.
  
  

Education & Training

• Having makeup artistry training can be required by some employers.Makeup image by Mat Hayward from Fotolia.com
  
  Cosmetics sales representative jobs in drugstores and supermarkets--and anywhere that a variety of commercial brands are sold together--are entry-level positions that require no previous training or experience. Specialized brands that sell their products in department store booths, kiosks or through standalone shops usually require sales reps to have retail, sales and makeup artistry training, as they provide makeup application services to customers. For sales reps who wish to attain an managerial position, a certificate or diploma in retail management is beneficial, although most employers commonly promote outstanding sales staff to these roles based on their years of experience, sales history and personality.
  
  

Hours of Work

• Self-employed sales representatives work flexible hours from home.woman working on laptop #9 image by Adam Borkowski from Fotolia.com
  
  Cosmetics sales representatives are largely based in retail establishments and therefore work a variety of hours. Morning, days and evening shifts are required, and they often work weekends weekends because of the high volume of shoppers. During busy holidays such as Christmas, cosmetics sales representatives may have to work extra hours or overtime to cope with the high influx of customers. Sales reps who run home-based businesses work flexible hours to suit their schedule but will also find an increased workload during busy holiday retail periods.
  
  

Earnings

• Earnings can be increased by bonuses or commission.money money image by Valentin Mosichev from Fotolia.com
  
  The salary of a cosmetics sales representative will vary by the type of company they work for. Those who work in supermarkets or drugstores will be paid a base hourly rate, whereas reps who work in department stores and boutiques often make commission plus a base wage. Contests and bonuses are often provided to cosmetics sales reps to increase their motivation and improve sales figures. Home-based sales reps will make commission only, although allowances may be given for travel and other expenses. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for retail clerks working in department stores, including store cosmetics reps, was $9.14 an hour as of May 2008. This does not include any commission or bonuses.
  
  

Location

• A malls is a common location for a rep to work.shopping mall with stalls image by Heng kong Chen from Fotolia.com
  
  Cosmetics sales representatives are based in department stores, malls, kiosks and standalone shops in high-traffic metropolitan areas. Of course, cosmetics sales reps who work from home will do most of their business by phone or in their house, although they may be required to host parties or visit client's homes to deliver products or provide sales presentations.
  
  

Job Outlook

• Internet shopping is not affecting the need for sales representatives.computer image by blaine stiger from Fotolia.com
  
  The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistic rates the growth for sales representatives in the apparel and cosmetics industry as "good". An 8 percent increase in jobs from 2008 to 2018 is expected , however it's important to note that with any retail job, turnover is high and jobs are continually being made available. The BLS also notes that increased Internet shopping is not having an effect on the need for sales representatives, as most people still value face-to-face contact.