Position Overview:
DIFF Eyewear is seeking a driven and entrepreneurial 1099 Independent Contractor Sales Representative to manage and grow sales across North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC.
This role is responsible for achieving territory sales goals and executing initiatives that increase product sell-through at retail. The ideal candidate will focus on new account acquisition, training, merchandising, and event execution to drive product visibility, brand awareness, and overall sales performance throughout the region. This is a commission-based independent contractor position covering North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC.
Key Responsibilities:
- Sales Performance
- Develop and execute a strategic territory plan to meet or exceed sales targets across all assigned markets.
- Identify, prospect, and open new retail accounts in key cities and regional hubs.
- Drive consistent reorder business and long-term account growth.
Training & Education
- Conduct in-person and virtual training sessions to improve product knowledge and selling techniques among retail staff.
- Ensure partners understand DIFF’s brand positioning, key product features, and promotional campaigns.
Merchandising
- Implement merchandising best practices to maximize product visibility and consumer engagement.
- Maintain brand standards and seasonal updates in retail locations.
- Secure premium placement and display opportunities when possible.
Events & Activations
- Plan and execute in-store events, trunk shows, and promotional activations to increase brand awareness and drive sell-through.
- Support store openings and seasonal initiatives with on-site presence as needed.
- Trade Shows/Markets
Market Insight & Territory Development:
- Monitor regional trends, competitive activity, and customer feedback.
- Identify growth opportunities and provide actionable insights to leadership.
Channel of Trade: Non-Optical / Sun-Only
- Clothing Boutique
- Gift Shop
- Resort Gift Shop
- Hotel Gift Shop
- Casino
- Sporting Goods Store
- Sunglass Store
- Spa
- Hair Salon
- Tanning Salon
Reporting & Communication:
- Maintain accurate records of sales activities, customer interactions, and territory performance.
- Provide regular updates, forecasts, and strategic recommendations to management.
Expectations:
- Demonstrate proactive selling techniques and strong closing skills.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with retailers throughout the Mid-Atlantic territory.
- Manage time and travel efficiently across a multi-state region.
- Represent DIFF Eyewear with professionalism, integrity, and consistency.
Qualifications:
- Prior experience in sales, preferably within eyewear, accessories, fashion, or consumer goods.
- Existing retail relationships within North Carolina, South Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, DC strongly preferred.
- Strong presentation, training, and organizational skills.
- Self-motivated with an entrepreneurial mindset.
- Willingness and ability to travel extensively throughout the territory.
Compensation:
- Commission-based compensation structure.
- Earnings are directly tied to individual sales performance and territory growth.
DIFF Eyewear is looking to partner with an experienced independent sales professional who understands the Mid-Atlantic market and is passionate about building strong retail partnerships and driving measurable results.
