What is the difference between a buyer and a sales representative?

A buyer is someone who has made up his mind about a purchase. A sales representative is someone who makes up the mind of a potential buyer to make a purchase. These two are in the opposite sides of a deal although not all potential buyers need a sales representative to finalize their purchase.

For example, a "buyer" is a person who purchases finished goods, typically for resale, for a firm, government, or organization. (A person who purchases material used to make goods is sometimes called a purchasing agent.) In product management, the buyer is the entity that decides to obtain the product.

On the other hand, sales representatives sell retail products, goods and services to customers. Sales representatives work with customers to find what they want, create solutions and ensure a smooth sales process. Sales representatives will work to find new sales leads, through business directories, client referrals, etc.