Career in sales---which is best job to start in?

Hi,
I would really like a job in sales as i think i have the personality for it and want to make a decent wage!!!! lol.
Sales is definately what i want to go into. However, i'm not sure which is the best kind of sales job to go into... a friend suggested the best place to start out and gain good experience etc is a simple phone shop (selling contract phones) etc. Is this good advice?

I do not want a job that involves any kind of cold-calling or knocking on doors *shudders at thought* Would really love the kind that is retail based but obviously you get commission on what you manage to sell etc.

Anyone have any advice for me on where/what is the best place to start?

I also thought about perhaps asking for work experience first, to make sure that i could handle it all and it went well. Will most stores allow this? (can't think why as it's free labour for them isn't it? lol)

Just would like some advice as im ka-fuddled over it all!!!

thanks all!

ps live in UK. :D

Almost every sales job requires a degree of cold calling. If you don't want to do this at all, I'm not sure that sales is going to be the right career for you. Some corporations have more senior sales positions which don't - there are junior people who do the cold calling and then arrange appointments for the senior people once interest has been shown - but you would get into this position by working your way up.

I think selling phones could be a good option. Or, what about recruitment?

Positions that I would avoid are:
- Selling services to businesses such as cleaning contracts, water coolers, stationery supplies - the markets are over-saturated and it's very competitive
- Estate agencies - I personally think that this would be a lot of fun. However given that the housing market is supposedly about to crash, I'm not sure that this would be the best career move for anyone right now

I am not sure that there are many places which will allow unpaid work experience. It's not exactly a case of "free labour" - when you're new to a position, an employer will be required to buddy you up with a current employee whilst they show you the ropes, which is of course worthwhile for a permanent employee but not for someone who won't be sticking around. Plus, if you're in a retail environment, there are many factors to consider such as you having access to cash that they might be wary of. However, don't worry about finding that it doesn't suit you and then wanting to leave - that's why all employers hire you on a probation period.

Anything in "Field Sales" would be good. You wouldnt be stuck in an office, you would be attending appointments with customers who have already showed an interest in the product.

Selling contract phones will still require cold-calling, whereas Field Sales, its unlikely too.

Also, Estate Agency, there is very good money in this, and the prospect for commission can be incredible!

Best of luck!

Hi There

Real Estate is always a good option. Have a look into getting into a local estate agents ?

Good luck.

James

Car sales