When Did Door-to-door Salesmen Die?

Ah, the good old times…when a salesperson used to do it all. Have a good memory, be persuasive, always have the right words with you, and have different skills over a multitude of disciples. And don’t even get bothered thinking that a salesperson didn't ace empathy, willpower, or record keeping. Somehow, they knew everyone and every address there. 

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However, to become a salesperson, you need to have a clear set of characteristics, such as an extrovert personality or the ability to make people trust you and become the best of friends. 

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And think about it! In the ‘50s, social media wasn’t even a tale of glory, and door-to-door salesmen were as online shopping is today. Brushes, vacuum cleaners, books, or a new and magical beauty product appeared you name it! Whatever it was, a salesperson would make sure you knew as well.

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Even more so, the earliest pioneering moves towards door-to-door sales were made in early 1905 when Madam C.J. Walker developed her own revolutionary hair product. Her primary buyers were women, and, of course, she thought about how she could get to them faster, as the majority were busy stay-at-home moms. This was when door-to-door sales began to seem like the best option available. 

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You probably remember the ‘Avon Lady” or the salesperson from ‘Encyclopedia Britannica’ with the car loaded with magazines trying to convince your parents or grandparents that those are the frequencies your mom needs or that using an encyclopedia will help you get bigger grades. 

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But, at first, door-to-door sales were not based on meticulous market research, and competition wasn’t that powerful. Sales needed a lot of convincing and a lot of positive reinforcement to help your client be sure that they are making the right decision. Back then, it all seemed fine–letting a stranger into your home and trusting that it would be a trustworthy encounter. Let’s be honest: if a strange man carrying a large suitcase or bag knocked on our door, we wouldn’t be running to the door to open it. Not a chance. 

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But now, human interactions are becoming less common. Real conversations are replaced by texting, and emotions are replaced by emojis. With this change, the sales and marketing industry has also taken a strong turn toward technological advancements. Instead of our doorbell ringing, we receive notifications and newsletters from our favorite brands. So, switching to a less impersonal shopping experience just seemed normal. 

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To go even deeper, once with the Industrial Revolution and with the developments of electrical manufacturing and distribution, the dehumanization process began. A still ongoing process that made the industry be more profitable and covered a larger market. Just imagine –  a salesman had his regular clients and acted in known arrears and short distances that were manageable with car trips.

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But, when digitalization came along, we had endless possibilities. We have the ability to sell our products overseas and spread the word with commercials that get to larger masses of people. It all becomes a complex ecosystem that is ruled by texts and insightful graphics, where language and distance are no longer barriers in our process. 

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With all of these changes, door-to-door salesmen became market and salespeople. They adapted and came up with solutions for the retail industry. Yet, a good salesman is always an advantage to any business. And yes, door-to-door salesmen are now ghosts of the past, but although the focus and practices have changed over time, the goal has stayed the same – to drive sales and make a profit.