What Are Outside Sales?
Let me explain outside sales directly to you: it's when sales professionals like me head out into the field to meet potential and current customers in person, aiming to bring in business for our company. We operate independently, away from any office or structured team setup. You'll find us traveling to these face-to-face meetings, building and nurturing those key relationships.
Key Takeaways
Here's what you need to grasp about outside sales: these roles involve being physically present in the field, not stuck in an office, to secure business. Unlike a standard desk job with set hours, we don't have that structure. We're often on the move, handling client meetings, entertaining prospects, and staying ready for any client needs. Expect costs like travel—think car rentals, flights, hotels, and entertainment budgets. Yes, outside sales teams cost more than inside ones, but they deliver more business. And with tech like video calls advancing, we're seeing more hybrid approaches blending the two.
Understanding Outside Sales
As an outside sales rep, or what some call field sales, I work without a rigid schedule, which gives flexibility but means I'm always on call for customer demands. You have to juggle client meetings, adapt to their changes like delays or cancellations, and handle your own travel woes. Appearance matters a lot since we're face-to-face, and we're always ready to network or entertain. Companies foot the bill for mileage, lodging, meals, and client outings, making this setup pricey. In certain industries, it's essential because customers won't commit without that personal touch. Though costlier than inside sales, outside roles often earn 12% to 18% more, usually through commissions. You always balance the revenue we generate against our expenses.
Outside Sales vs. Inside Sales
To clarify outside sales, compare it to inside sales. Inside reps work from an office on fixed hours, using phones, emails, video calls, social media, or screen shares—they rarely travel. But tech progress is creating hybrid models where outside work happens only when needed, helping cut costs. Inside teams operate under supervision, excelling at cold calls and explaining products remotely without visuals. Inside sales have exploded; for every outside hire, about 10 inside ones join. Outside sales are more strategic, involving C-level execs for big-picture strategies, ideal for complex, pricey products with larger orders. Inside focuses on high-volume interactions rather than depth.
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