What does a sales service representative do exactly?

I've come across job listings for sales service representatives, but I'm not sure what the main responsibilities are. Is it different from being a sales rep? Any advice on what skills are important for this role?

A Sales Service Representative also known as a customer service sales representative, essentially plays a dual role. They not only work in a customer-centric manner, responding to inquiries, providing information, and resolving issues but also engage in sales-related activities such as promoting products/services and managing client databases.

They're similar to regular sales representatives in the sense that their goal is to generate sales, however, sales service representatives tend to also have a heavier focus on serving existing customers and ensuring their satisfaction, rather than mainly seeking out new clients.

Here are some common responsibilities you'd see in the job description:

1. Responding to customer inquiries - This can include questions about a product or an order status.

2. Providing solutions - If a customer has an issue with a product or service, a sales service representative will be on hand to offer practical solutions.

3. Cross-selling or upselling - While addressing customer needs, a sales service rep can also recommend additional products or services that might benefit the customer.

4. Account management - This might involve maintaining customer records or handling renewals.

5. Processing orders and returns - In some scenarios where the customer calls in rather than ordering or returning items online.

As for skills, you'd generally need strong communication skills, problem-solving skills, the ability to multitask, a keen understanding of the products or services you're handling, and patience. Basic computer proficiency is also often expected, as most customer service platforms are digital. You should also have salesmanship abilities, as persuading customers to buy products or services or to upgrade their existing ones, is a big part of the job.

Remember, when you're working with customers, it's not only about selling the product or service but also about creating a positive and smooth customer experience. This could mean answering questions with a smile even if they seem repetitive, and maintaining professionalism at all times. It's about building relationships and trust with customers, which in turn could lead to increased sales and customer loyalty.