salesman

A salesman is a person who sells goods or services on behalf of a company, often directly to customers. In retail settings, salespeople assist shoppers, demonstrate products, answer questions, and process transactions; in business-to-business contexts, they work to identify client needs, present solutions, negotiate terms, and secure contracts. They may also provide aftersales support and account management.

Responsibilities include identifying customer needs, presenting appropriate products, handling objections, closing sales, and maintaining ongoing relationships. They use product knowledge, communication and interpersonal skills, and often customer relationship management (CRM) tools to track leads, forecast demand, and monitor performance.

Common career paths include retail salesperson, field sales representative, account executive, and sales manager. Qualifications range from a high school diploma to a college degree for more technical or senior roles. Training is typically on the job, with professional development in sales techniques, product knowledge, and CRM.

Compensation is usually composed of base pay and commissions or bonuses tied to sales targets. Quotas, performance metrics, and territory management influence advancement and earnings. Salespeople operate in various environments: storefronts, showrooms, field visits, and inside sales via phone or online communication. Market trends such as digital selling, e-commerce, and social selling have influenced the role, emphasizing data-driven approaches and ethical, customer-centered practices.

The term "salesman" is traditional; many contexts prefer the gender-neutral "salesperson" or "sales representative."