Outside sales rep in industry

Nairb#70 wrote:

Just keep in mind that the dealership network is the LAST place you will gain experience for a position with a manufacturer. The dealership is the...

Just keep in mind that the dealership network is the LAST place you will gain experience for a position with a manufacturer. The dealership is the manufacturers customer, and opposite ends of the spectrum in terms of perspective. If you went to an OEM 'position with a dealership mentality, you wouldn't get in the front door. Manufacturers care about one thing : empty warehouses. Most district and regional sales managers for OEM's don't even ride. And to do their jobs correctly they don't even have to. Unfortunately, the powersports industry is nothing like what you would expect from the perspective of an enthusiast. Any idea that you may have that makes sense would get a laugh from a so called "Industry Executive." Proceed with caution..

RMT wrote:

I disagree with every single sentence you wrote and have found it to be completely opposite of what you describe.

Falcon wrote:

Me too. I've worked for two OEMs, including one as an outside sales rep. That one hired me because, quote, "...And you have dealership experience, so...

Me too. I've worked for two OEMs, including one as an outside sales rep. That one hired me because, quote, "...And you have dealership experience, so you know exactly how to handle those guys."


At the OEM level, expect a company car and comped meals. You will be expected to drive a lot, depending on your territory, and may get one office day per week. Lots of nights and some weekends away from home. The cool part is you'll get to see all the cool new stuff before it's announced, get free stuff from distributors, and probably travel in the US and maybe globally. The 2nd OEM sent me to Japan twice. It's pretty cool to work in the industry.

Cole_Ughetti wrote:

I work for one of the "Big 3" distributors in our industry, we are W-2 Statutory. I imagine the same across the board for the other...

I work for one of the "Big 3" distributors in our industry, we are W-2 Statutory. I imagine the same across the board for the other 2. Have benefits, 401k, health etc that's where the W-2 part comes in. The statutory is the "1099" half. If your accountant knows what he is doing you can write off your brand new bike, mileage, etc.

I can't picture myself in a different industry. Yes, it can get tough, but when you go to work everyday and not hate your life it's worth a smaller check sometimes.

SCC wrote:

If you have to do something 60hrs/wk do something you enjoy regardless of pay. There are a total of 60 jobs in the motocross industry outside...

If you have to do something 60hrs/wk do something you enjoy regardless of pay. There are a total of 60 jobs in the motocross industry outside of being a rider. Move on and stop trying. You have zero chance of unless you are well connected to those already in the sport.

quadzrulebro wrote:

I disagree. My first job in the industry was for an OEM, and I just applied to a job in the back of Cycle News because...

I disagree. My first job in the industry was for an OEM, and I just applied to a job in the back of Cycle News because I hated my job in banking. 20 years later, I love my job, have a beautiful home and family (and a pretty well funded retirement). I’ve traveled the world on the company dime and am friends with lots of people others wait in line to get an autograph from. If you want it bad enough, make it happen. I’m sure glad I did it!