Sales industry turns its back on the hard sell

According to research from Salestarget.co.uk a new recruitment website launched today for sales professionals, the majority of Britons rate sales people as polite and knowledgeable and 62 per cent feel that they have become more charming and persuasive over the last five years.



When it comes to the ideal sales person, almost half of consumers rate good manners as vital, and sixty one per cent state that good product knowledge is crucial. Interestingly, women are twice as likely to prefer a fellow female to help them make a purchase decision.

And while sales has previously suffered from a poor image, more people seem to be wising up to benefits of the job, with sixty one per cent stating that they would consider working in the industry. Just over a third - 38 per cent - are tempted by the career progression opportunities, with a similar number attracted by the potential salary and benefits package. The flexibility that it offers is also attractive - more than one in ten (12 per cent) say that not being tied to the office all day is a big attraction.

When it comes to the UKís dream salesperson, Davina McCall tops the list of celebrities who women would most like to buy from, while men would be most willing to sign on the dotted line for Richard Branson. And although we may have signed up to his economic policies, Gordon Brown fails to make the grade as the nationís ideal sales rep, polling just 2.5% of the vote. Only two per cent feel that Abi Titmuss would be skilled at closing a deal, with flirtation ranked as one of the least important qualities in a salesperson.

Mike Convey, website director for Salestarget.co.uk says: For many years sales has had a poor image but this is now old fashioned and out of step with reality. To be a successful sales person in todayís consumer driven society you need to be intelligent, polite and know what you are talking about. Weíre very pleased that on the whole, the British public seem to be getting a good service, and should she ever get fed up of her Friday Big Brother night antics, weíd be delighted to have Davina on board!