No Guarantees
Connor recently wrote me and I liked his questions so much that I decided to answer him with this article because I know a lot of you have the same questions…
Mike,
I am interested in beginning to sell roofs because of the flexible hours and money, but I have very little knowledge on the subject.
I am for sure going to read up on the articles in your blog, but was wondering if you could point me to a website or post with just general information.
Things like: What is the difference between canvassing and selling? Is it better to start out with a company with lower commission but more training and assistance or vice versa?
How much should I invest (of my own time, effort and money) before I can expect to be a good roofing salesman?
I am 18 and currently working as a waiter and going to school full time. If selling roofs turns out to be something I want to do I would quit my current job.
Connor
Hey Connor,
Most of the questions you asked below are answered in the articles on the website… except for one.
Namely, you asked about how much you should invest of your time, effort and money before you can expect to be a good roofing salesman.
Unfortunately, you’ve got to know that some people never make it. Most people never make it.
They invest a lot of their time, effort and money, but still come up empty handed. There’s no guarantees in a commission-only business.
A Vulnerable Position
I’ve watched guys lose their cars, homes, and some even their families trying to make roofing sales work for them. Usually, they were in a very vulnerable position in the first place.
However, when you’re in a vulnerable position to start with, you can’t afford to fail. Sometimes that is enough motivation to get you to succeed. Would it be enough for you? I don’t know.
Learning the business takes time and focused attention. If you can afford to fail, perhaps the best strategy would be to find a good, local company and set aside a few days for going door-to-door setting appointments.
Once you have set a few appointments, ask one of their experienced sales people to go out with you and watch how they handle the process until you have it down too.
Learning Takes Time
Learning takes time. Time is money.
I can’t tell you how much time it will take you to learn. I don’t know if you have the talent, desire, and ambition to make it happen.
I don’t know what circumstances you’ll be laboring under or the kind of roofing company you’ll end up working for to support your learning. Will they just hand you a stack of contracts and a few ink jet business cards? I hope not.
There are just too many variables for me to tell you if how much you’ll end up investing before you learn how to make a living selling roofs.
Only you can answer those questions… but, you’re starting out on the right foot… by asking questions.
Peace,
Mike
P.S. Get more answers by subscribing to 101 Sales Tips right now.
Mike Coday
Mike started selling roofs in '95 while working as a youth pastor at a small church in North Texas. A decade later he transitioned to speaking at industry conferences and training outside sales teams. Today, he works exclusively as the premier consultant to roofing company owners who are driven for growth.
Download this FREE special report now to make more money selling roofs.
Download the FREE Special Report