Sales
Door-to-Door Sales Workers, News and Street Vendors, and Related Workers
Also called: Direct Sales Coach, Door-to-Door Sales Trainer, Independent Beauty Consultant, Independent Distributor
US median pay
$41,380
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
-10.4%
declining
Openings a year (US)
4,800
50,900 employed
Typical entry education
No formal educational credential
Preparation 2/5 · Some preparation
What this job is
Sell goods or services door-to-door or on the street.
What they do day to day
- Explain products or services and prices and demonstrate use of products.
- Develop prospect lists.
- Deliver merchandise and collect payment.
- Write and record orders for merchandise or enter orders into computers.
- Arrange buying parties and solicit sponsorship of such parties to sell merchandise.
- Answer questions about product features and benefits.
- Distribute product samples or literature that details products or services.
- Circulate among potential customers or travel by foot, truck, automobile, or bicycle to deliver or sell merchandise or services.
- Persuade customers to purchase merchandise or services.
- Set up and display sample merchandise at parties or stands.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Persuasion4.0/5
- Social Perceptiveness3.8/5
- Service Orientation3.6/5
- Negotiation3.2/5
- Coordination3.2/5
- Judgment and Decision Making3.0/5
- Time Management2.8/5
- Complex Problem Solving2.6/5
Knowledge
- Customer and Personal Service4.4/5
- Sales and Marketing4.2/5
- English Language3.3/5
- Administrative3.0/5
- Administration and Management3.0/5
- Education and Training2.6/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 2 of 5 — Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma; some previous work experience or training helps.
Typical entry education (BLS): No formal educational credential.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Less than high school57%
- High school diploma43%
Who this job suits
Mostly Enterprising
Leading, persuading and starting things
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.