Wondering how to become a product demonstrator? First, you must read up on the role and responsibilities of the job. Though product demonstrators have been around since the invention of the wheel, the role has continuously evolved over time. Today, successful demonstrations demand an individual who is committed to learning, mastering, and sharing a product with others. In this article, we will go over the basics of what a product demonstrator does and how to land a job in the field.
A product demonstrator shows how to use or sample a product and helps others try it as well. Often, this term is used to describe a store employee who samples food or beverage items. However, other products such as computers, software, cell phones and cleaning supplies can be demoed as well. In any field, a demonstrator must be an expert on the product at hand. The goal of a product demonstration is to highlight the greatness of a product and make it appealing to buyers. Sometimes, this title can be interchanged with a brand ambassador.
A candidate for the position of product demonstrator should be enthusiastic, outgoing, well-spoken, and quick to learn. Ideally, he or she would be familiar with the particular product, and able to draw from personal experience during product demonstration.
Responsibilities include but are not limited to:
Product demonstrator salaries vary from one industry to another, and depend on the consistency of hours worked. These are the usual methods of product demonstrator compensation:
Salary: According to sites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, and Payscale, the national average salary for a product demonstrator ranges from around $20,000 to $40,000, with the standard salary falling around the $25,000 mark.
Hourly: If a product demonstrator is paid hourly, the average is typically between $10-$20.
Commision: In some cases, product demonstrators receive compensation based on sales rather than an hourly or annual wage. This is done to incentivize demonstrators to attract new customers. The more leads a product demonstrator can bring to a company, the higher his or her earning potential.
The standard education requirement for a product demonstrator is a high school diploma, but this can vary dramatically depending on the industry. Often an associate’s or bachelor’s degree is preferable. For more complex sectors such as technology, a higher level of education may be necessary.
The most important education requirement is a willingness to learn. Even if an applicant is new to a particular product, with an open mind, he or she can become an expert in a short time. It also helps to have previous experience demonstrating products or representing a brand.
Other more general qualifications include friendliness, charisma, social media savviness, and flexibility in scheduling.
Get started by downloading our free product demonstrator resume here!
Get started by downloading our free product demonstrator cover letter here!
According to Chron, a great product demo stimulates interest, conveys ownership, provides proof, and combats concerns. It gives representatives an opportunity to generate excitement about a product and address any questions on the spot. Product demonstrators provide a tangible example of what it’s like to experience a product. This allows viewers to imagine how their own lives might improve through the purchase of the product. Visual demonstration allows for a more complete idea of a product’s functionality.
However, a product demonstration is only as good as its demonstrator. If the product is shown poorly or improperly, the message will be lost on listeners and can potentially damaging to the brand’s reputation. This puts a lot of pressure on product demonstrators to get the facts completely right.
Another key factor to a great product demo is the ability to read an audience. Even scripted demos must be tweaked slightly each time. Think: what do these particular people need to hear in order to be convinced of my product’s value? The answer to this question may vary from one crowd or venue to another. An excellent product demonstrator has above-average people skills and the ability to adapt quickly.
Although product demonstrations are simple in concept, they can take on a variety of forms. From sampling cheese to demonstrating a new tech feature, each product demo has its own quirks. To illustrate this, we identified two different kinds of product demonstration.
Wegmans is consistently rated as one of the top grocery stores in the nation, and enjoys bragging rights as one of the best employers as well. In fact, it was ranked second on Fortune’s 100 best places to work. Wegmans is known for its inclusive culture, employee benefits, and excellent service. The store is also known for its generous product samples.
In order to provide unmatched service, Wegmans continually hires more employees as it expands nationwide. A current product demonstrator job listing describes the position as such:
“The KBS Team Member helps our customers experience success with food by using the fun and fresh philosophy, and helping them learn about and enjoy the unique products we offer at Wegmans. In this role, you’ll work with various departments throughout the store to increase sales by creating interest and enthusiasm for the products, while providing incredible service to our customers!”
Some of the most famous product demonstrations of all time occurred on live television for the Home Shopping Network. Billy Mays became famous for his on-air promotion of cleaning products such as Fix-it, OxiClean, Orange Glo, Kaboom, and others. Known for his passionate use of the OxiClean stain remover, Mays instantly became the face of the brand. His unique enthusiasm and ease in front of the camera motivated streams of customers to purchase the product.
Now that you are an expert on the role of a product demonstrator, it’s time to get out there and start applying to positions. We recommended beginning your search on established sites such as Indeed and Linkedin, which constantly update their listings. Another route to explore is third-party hiring, through a marketing, event staffing, or promotional agency near you.
Becoming a product demonstrator is a great way to get started in a company and learn more about a certain industry. And who knows, it could even be the start to a long, successful career in marketing.
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