Inside sales is all about making yourself available. You have to be on your ''A game'' all the time, ready for a customer to walk in the door. If you're on duty, you need to be professional. Your store has probably invested a lot in advertising to drive traffic in the door. They've spent a certain amount of money to get each customer in the door. If you don't help that customer once they get in the store, you're basically wasting the company's money and you'll be out of a job soon.
An inside sales person has to be an expert on their products. They have to be very good at presenting them and must know everything about them. They need to be great at wowing the customer right off the bat. They have to grab customers' attention and not let go. The obvious part about inside sales is that you're going to be working in an office environment. If you like developing close relationships with your coworkers, this is definitely the job for you.
Outside sales is a little bit of a different ballgame. Unlike inside sales, you are completely in charge of your own schedule. You don't have to be anywhere at a certain time unless you decide that you need to be there. You make appointments with prospective clients, and you stick to the appointments. If you aren't punctual, you might as well not even consider this type of sales position. This form of selling is all about developing relationships with your clients. You might not sell anything when you first start. However, if you make a habit of checking in on your customers frequently, they will begin to get comfortable with you. They'll start to give you frequent business if you take care of them.
With outside sales, your workplace is never the same. You're going to become very familiar with the inside of your car and a lot of your time will be spent driving from one client to the next. Your appearance is extremely critical in this area of sales. You have to look professional at all times, and you have to be ready to visit. If you're the type of person that is reclusive and doesn't enjoy visiting with people every day, this probably isn't the job for you. Regardless of whether you feel like visiting or not, you have to be ready to when the opportunity arises. This also might be for you if you don't like to be directly supervised. If you are a self-starter and can hold yourself accountable, this is a great opportunity for you. You'll make your own schedule and will only check in with your supervisor from time to time.
Overall, selling is basically the same thing regardless of whether you're inside or outside. Just keep in mind the subtle differences and you'll be much happier with your career decision.
