Außendienst

Außendienst is a German term for work performed outside the employer's premises, commonly translated as field service, outside sales, or field sales. It describes roles in which employees visit customers, prospects, or remote sites to sell products, provide technical support, install equipment, carry out inspections or maintain client relationships.

Typical functions in the Außendienst include sales representatives, service technicians, account managers and merchandisers. Activities often involve regular customer visits, demonstrations, contract negotiations, order processing and after-sales service. Außendienst staff commonly use mobile tools such as customer relationship management (CRM) systems, mobile devices and route-planning software to document interactions and manage tasks.

Compensation structures frequently combine a base salary with variable pay elements such as commissions, bonuses or performance-based incentives. Employers usually cover travel-related expenses and provide company cars or allowances. Arbeits- and travel-time regulations, expense reimbursement and health and safety obligations are governed by national employment law, collective agreements and company policies.

Distinct from Innendienst (inside sales), Außendienst work emphasizes face-to-face contact, autonomy and travel, and often requires interpersonal, negotiation and technical skills, plus time-management and self-organization. Challenges include irregular hours, travel-related strain and balancing customer demands with administrative duties. Digitalization, remote communication tools and hybrid sales models are reshaping Außendienst tasks, enabling virtual meetings and data-driven customer approaches while preserving the role’s focus on direct client engagement.