332 Sales and Purchasing Agents and Brokers

Insurance representatives advise on and sell life, accident, automobile, liability, endowment, fire, marine and other types of insurance to new and established clients. Tasks include - (a) obtaining information about customers’ circumstances necessary to determine appropriate type of insurance and conditions; (b) negotiating with customers to determine type and degree of risk for which insurance is required; (c) explaining details of insurance and conditions, risk coverage premiums and benefits to customers; (d) assisting clients to determine the type and level of coverage required, calculating premiums and establishing method of payment; (e) negotiating and placing reinsurance contracts; (f) advising on, negotiating terms for and placing insurance contracts for large or special types of projects, installations or risks. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Insurance agent - Insurance broker - Insurance underwriter Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Insurance agency manager - 1346 - Securities broker - 3311 - Insurance assessor - 3315 - Insurance clerk - 4312.

Commercial sales representatives represent companies to sell various goods and services to businesses and other organizations and provide product specific information as required. Tasks include - (a) soliciting orders and selling goods to retail, industrial, wholesale and other establishments; (b) selling equipment, supplies and related services to business establishments or individuals; (c) obtaining and updating knowledge of market conditions and of employer’s and competitors’ goods and services; (d) providing prospective customers with information about the characteristics and functions of the products and equipment for sale, and demonstrating its use or qualities; (e) quoting prices and credit terms, recording orders and arranging deliveries; (f) reporting customers’ reactions and requirements to suppliers and manufacturers; (g) following up clients to ensure satisfaction with products purchased. Examples of the occupations classified here: - After-sales service adviser - Canvasser - Commercial traveller Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Sales manager - 1221 - Medical sales representative - 2433 - Technical sales representative - 2433 - Information and communications technology sales professional - 2434 - Shop sales assistant - 5223 - Door-to-door sales representative - 5243.

Buyers buy goods and services for use or resale on behalf of industrial, commercial, government or other establishments and organizations. Tasks include - (a) determining or negotiating contract terms and conditions, awarding supplier contracts or recommending contract awards for the purchase of equipment, raw materials, products, services and merchandise for resale; (b) obtaining information about requirements and stock and developing specifications for quantity and quality to be purchased, costs, delivery dates and other contract conditions; (c) purchasing general and specialized equipment, materials or business services for use or for further processing by their establishment; (d) inviting tenders, consulting with suppliers and reviewing quotations; (e) purchasing merchandise for resale by retail or wholesale establishments; (f) studying market reports, trade periodicals and sales promotion materials and visiting trade shows, showrooms, factories and product design events; (g) selecting the merchandise or products that best fit the establishment’s requirements; (h) interviewing suppliers and negotiating prices, discounts, credit terms and transportation arrangements; (i) overseeing distribution of merchandise to outlets and maintaining adequate stock levels; (j) establishing delivery schedules, monitoring progress and contacting clients and suppliers to resolve problems. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Buyer - Procurement officer - Purchasing agent - Purchasing merchandiser - Supply officer Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Commodities broker - 3324.

Trade brokers buy and sell commodities and shipping services, usually in bulk, on behalf of their own company or for customers on a commission basis. Tasks include - (a) establishing contact between buyers and sellers of commodities; (b) discussing buying or selling requirements of clients and giving advice accordingly; (c) buying and selling cargo space on ships; (d) negotiating purchase or sale of commodities and commodity futures; (e) finding cargo and/or storage space for commodities and negotiating freight, shipping and storage charges; (f) monitoring and analysing market trends and other factors affecting the supply and demand for commodities and shipping services. Examples of the occupations classified here: - Commodities broker - Commodity futures dealer - Shipping broker Some related occupations classified elsewhere: - Finance broker - 3311 - Finance dealer - 3311 - Securities broker - 3311 - Securities dealer - 3311 - Insurance dealer - 3321.