Cold calling has consistently been one of the most difficult and challenging aspects of Sales. It is a skill that is essential for building a profitable business yet, it can be daunting for many salespeople. The unpredictable nature of cold calling presents a host of unique challenges that salespeople must navigate in order to succeed. Below are fifteen things that customers may not understand about the daily struggles of a Salesperson:

1. Bargains are irresistible, but there is no need to riot: As much as you want those discounts, there is no need to put pressure on the sales representatives. Remember, they are there to help you.

2. The customer may always be right, but sometimes, they aren’t: Though we try to please every customer, there are some situations where we can’t. It’s important to recognize that sometimes customers may be dealing with emotions that are out of your control.

3. The art of putting on a happy face can be draining: The pressure of being polite and smiling can be stressful when salespeople are dealing with difficult customers. People have to understand that it requires a great deal of emotional labor to be consistently pleasant.

4. Salespeople do not control everything: Yes, they are there to solve problems and help in any way they can. However, there are limits to their abilities, such as product availability and guarantee lengths.

5. Salespeople cannot offer discounts at will: Cheaper may not always mean better. Salespeople cannot provide discounts unless they fall within the business’s policies.

6. Salespeople are not babysitters: In retail settings, there is nothing worse than when children are left to roam free and disrupt the store. They also do not like when angry parents treat them poorly for not watching their child’s every move.

7. Business-to-business cold calling takes planning: Most salespeople have done their research and are prepared with relevant information. Before dismissing them, take the time to listen to what they have to say.

8. Salespeople do not want to be left in limbo: When a customer continuously says “I’ll think about it” indefinitely, this is their polite way of saying they are not interested. If that is the case, the salesperson will appreciate an honest response.

9. Many salespeople have had to learn the art of selling themselves: Selling is a talent that few people are born with; it’s a skill that must be honed through hard work and perseverance. Even if the salesperson makes it look easy, their success is hard-won.

10. Every sale counts: A salesperson is not just trying to get a commission, they’re doing everything they can to ensure they make a living wage.

11. Rejections and failures are part of the job: As much as a salesperson tries, sometimes they will not make a sale. It’s important to accept the failures, learn from them, and strive to improve.

12. You may have to put up with ignorance: It’s common for clients to make assumptions or generalizations about a company or industry. Salespeople must be patient and try to educate these individuals.

13. Salespeople must solve problems after the sale: After-sales support is crucial to the success of many businesses, so it’s not uncommon for a salesperson to be inundated with customer concerns post-sale.

14. Salespeople are extremely busy: Salespeople have limited time to pitch their product, so every moment they have with a potential customer is valuable. They’re often overbooked and genuinely want to make the most of everyone’s time.

15. Educating clients is a more effective strategy than pushing products: It’s far more beneficial to explain to customers how a product can solve their problems rather than overwhelming them with technical details.

In conclusion, cold calling is undoubtedly a challenging and often intimidating aspect of Sales. Surprisingly, the average customer is not aware of how stressful the job can be, or what sales reps go through in a day. The more customers understand the challenges of a salesperson’s profession, the easier it will be for both parties to build relationships based on mutual respect and understanding.