salesperson

American  

[seylz-pur-suhn] / ˈseɪlzˌpɜr sən /

noun

1. a person who sells goods, services, etc.

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Usage

What does salesperson mean? A salesperson is a person whose job is to sell products or services.Another term for salesperson is sales rep (or sales representative). The terms salesman and saleswoman are still commonly used, but salesperson and sales rep are often used in their place. The plural of salesperson can be salespeople or salespersons.A salesperson is often said to “work in sales”—in which sales refers to the type of occupation or the division or department within the company.A salesperson can sell directly to customers or to other businesses or organizations. Sometimes, salespersons sell things in person, such as at a retail store or dealership. They also commonly sell things over the phone or by communicating with people online. In the past, it was common for some salespersons to travel door-to-door to make sales to people at home.A salesperson who has to travel as part of their job can be called a traveling salesperson. The word salesperson is sometimes used in a somewhat figurative way to refer to someone who’s skilled at persuading people, especially in a business or professional setting, as if they are selling them a product.Example: The salesperson told me that this was the best deal he could give me.

Gender

See -person.

Etymology

Origin of salesperson

First recorded in 1915–20; sales + person

Example Sentences

Imagine knowing that a salesperson does her best work from 3:15 p.m. to 7 p.m. in New York while a teammate in Portugal performs best during complementary hours.

From The Wall Street Journal

At that business, higher wages and the hiring of additional specialized salespersons in preparation for the spinoff are taking a toll.

From MarketWatch

That has enabled it to hire more programmers and salespeople.

From The Wall Street Journal

Raised by entrepreneurs, Maris has always figured herself a salesperson as much as a singer.

From Los Angeles Times

National Cash Register founder John Henry Patterson elevated the role of sales and the position of salesperson, recognizing that marketing matters just as much as the product.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• clerk