Sales demonstrators show merchandise to customers in order to interest them in buying a product or a line of products. Product promoters try to persuade retail stores to sell products and market them in a specific way. Both demonstrators and product promoters work for the manufacturers of cosmetics, food, home care products, and household appliances. Many are employed on a temporary basis for a specific period of time.

Most demonstrators work in department stores, in supermarkets, and at conventions and exhibits. Some travel to homes. Others demonstrate products on television during "infomercials" or on home shopping programs. Product promoters, on the other hand, usually travel between retail operations spread out over a designated region. Demonstrators and product promoters who work for the manufacturers of industrial hardware and machinery demonstrate their products at conventions, trade shows, and county fairs.