Product Demonstrator

Working Schedule

• Product Demonstrators often work part-time and may have shifts during weekdays, weekends, or evenings. Travel to different retail locations or event venues is often necessary.

Typical Duties

• Learn details and key selling points about the products to be promoted
• Outline the workflow for the intended presentation or demo. Create supply lists
• Rehearse presentations in advance (depending on the complexity)
• Establish contact with venues where demonstrations will be done. Review plans, schedules, seating options (if applicable), and any special equipment needed
• Procure any perishable goods and ensure suitable refrigeration is available
• Pack all items and travel to work sites. Set up and maintain clean, attractive product display stations such as tables, carts, or booths
• Prepare products and any samples, as needed. Follow safe product handling protocols
• Ensure the availability of a power source and electrical extension cord, as applicable
• Make in-store announcements over store intercoms. Offer free giveaways, if authorized
• Engage with store customers in a friendly manner, generate interest, and answer their questions
• Effectively convey key talking points as outlined in advance by marketers
• Make direct sales or collect customer contact information to provide to sales teams
• Maintain a clean and sterile station using cleaning products and chemicals, as needed. Clean up messes and remove trash items
• Collect customer feedback and report results to marketing teams
  Offer product coupons or other information

Additional Responsibilities

• Maintain relations with staff at the hosting establishment
• Train new Product Demonstrators and assistants
• Present a positive, professional appearance and demeanor during demonstrations
• Tear down display stations and store or transport them
• Manage inventory. Complete expense reports

Soft Skills

• Adaptability
• Creativity
• Customer service
• Effective communications
• Enthusiasm
• Independence
• Initiative
• Monitoring skills  
• Motivation
• Organization
• Persuasion
• Reliability
• Responsibility
• Safety consciousness
• Sales skills
• Sociability
• Sound judgment
• Stamina
• Time management

Technical Skills

• Brand awareness
• Food handling skills (for food-related items) and allergen awareness
• Inventory management
• Operating motor vehicle
• Product use and product display knowledge
• Safe product handling and preparation
• Sales techniques and Cashier Display Stand usage
• Sanitation practices
• Scheduling
• Setup and teardown of display areas, equipment, tables, etc.

• Large retailers and wholesale outlets
• Malls
• Product expos and festivals

Product Demonstrators must have extensive knowledge of the products they showcase, including benefits and unique features that distinguish them from the competition. But that’s only half of their role! As salespeople, they must be engaging and enthusiastic speakers who know how to attract an audience and hold its attention.

They may work nights, weekends, and holidays, often traveling from site to site. It’s a physically demanding gig that requires stamina for standing and driving. Many jobs are part-time, seasonal, or temporary, so it’s not always an option for people who need consistent, full-time work. But Product Demonstrators gain a ton of valuable, first-hand sales experience via frequent customer interaction—which can be rewarding on its own and beneficial for other careers in sales and marketing! 

Consumer preferences can be notoriously unpredictable, so companies must keep up with shopping habits as well as product marketing and demonstration trends. Ideally, they can then determine the best products and strategies to provide to their Product Demonstrators before sending them on the road!

Product Demonstrators receive live, real-time feedback in the field which they can report back to company marketers. Right now there’s a trend towards promoting high-demand products that cater to healthier lifestyles. In some markets, customers are also seeking to buy products made with more sustainable manufacturing practices.

Another trend is that shoppers like the convenience that digital tools bring to the table. That’s why Product Demonstrators use tablets and other devices to engage customers and provide more product information through virtual and augmented reality. Interactive, hands-on workshops and “do-it-yourself” stations are yet another way demonstrations can engage consumers and drive sales!

Many Product Demonstrators love social interaction and meeting new people. Students with backgrounds in sales, teaching, or performing arts are often great for these roles.