Remote Sales Jobs: The Complete Guide to Building a Flexible Sales Career from Home

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Not too long ago, sales was seen as a career that required constant travel, face-to-face meetings, and long hours at the office. Things have changed. Today, remote sales jobs are everywhere. Companies are selling online, teams are spread across different countries, and customers are comfortable making purchases without ever meeting a salesperson in person.

If you are someone who enjoys building relationships, has good communication skills, and likes the idea of working from home, remote sales can be a rewarding path. In this article, I’ll take you through what remote sales jobs are, the types you can find, the skills you need, the pros and cons, and how to succeed in this career. I’ll also share some observations and experiences to keep things real.

What Are Remote Sales Jobs?

A remote sales job is simply a sales position that you can do from anywhere with an internet connection. Instead of visiting clients in person, you use email, phone calls, video meetings, and digital tools to connect with prospects and close deals.

Remote sales jobs are found in almost every industry. You might be selling software to businesses, home improvement products to homeowners, or even consulting services. What makes it “remote” is not the product, but how you connect with customers.

I’ve spoken with people who started in traditional sales roles and later moved to remote work. Most say the transition was easier than they expected, especially once they got used to using video calls and CRM systems.

Popular Types of Remote Sales Jobs

1. Entry-Level Remote Sales Jobs
These roles are often called sales development representatives (SDRs) or inside sales reps. Your job is to reach out to new leads, qualify them, and pass them on to account executives. Many people start here because it’s a great way to build sales skills.

2. Remote Account Executive Jobs
Account executives (AEs) handle the next step in the sales cycle. They give product demos, handle objections, and close deals. Many AEs in SaaS (software as a service) companies now work fully remote.

3. Remote Sales Manager Jobs
If you’ve been in sales for a while, you might step into management. Remote sales managers lead teams, set quotas, and coach reps through video calls and performance dashboards.

4. Commission-Based Remote Sales Jobs
Some companies hire people on a commission-only basis. This can be risky if you need stable income, but it’s also one of the fastest ways to get started in sales with no experience. A friend of mine started in commission-only real estate sales over Zoom and later moved to a full-time role in SaaS sales.

5. Remote SaaS Sales Jobs
This is one of the hottest areas. SaaS companies love hiring remote sales reps because their customers are already comfortable online. Many high-paying roles are found in SaaS sales.

Skills You Need for Remote Sales Jobs

Communication Skills
Selling remotely means you don’t get the benefit of body language as much. You have to be clear with your words, tone, and writing. The ability to explain ideas simply is gold.

Negotiation Skills
Even over Zoom, you’ll face pushback. Learning to handle objections, ask the right questions, and guide the conversation is crucial.

Tech Tools and CRM Systems
Remote sales professionals live in tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, or Pipedrive. You’ll also use Zoom, Slack, and email automation tools daily. If you’re not tech-savvy yet, don’t worry—most of these tools are designed to be user-friendly.

Time Management
No boss is looking over your shoulder in a remote setup. You need discipline to manage your pipeline, follow up with leads, and stay productive.

Where to Find Remote Sales Jobs Online

LinkedIn Jobs: Great for networking and applying directly.
Indeed & Glassdoor: Classic job boards with plenty of listings.
Remote-specific boards: Sites like We Work Remotely, Remote.co, and FlexJobs list hundreds of sales positions.
Company Career Pages: Many growing startups list remote roles directly.

Tip: When searching, use terms like “remote sales,” “virtual account executive,” or “inside sales” to find more listings.

Advantages of Remote Sales Careers

Flexibility: You can work from home, a coffee shop, or even while traveling.
More Opportunities: You’re not limited to companies in your city.
Growing Demand: Businesses are expanding remote teams more than ever.
Good Pay: Many remote sales jobs still offer strong base salaries plus commission.

I know people who’ve moved from small towns to high-paying jobs with international companies—all because remote work made location irrelevant.

Challenges and How to Overcome Them

Isolation: Working alone can feel lonely. Solution: join virtual communities or schedule regular check-ins with colleagues.
Distractions at Home: It’s easy to get sidetracked. Solution: set up a dedicated workspace.
Pressure to Perform: Sales is target-driven. Solution: track your metrics daily and celebrate small wins.

Tips for Success in Remote Sales Jobs

Treat video calls like in-person meetings. Dress well, make eye contact, and smile.
Keep a consistent routine to stay productive.
Always follow up with leads—it’s shocking how many reps lose deals just by not sending that one extra email.
Keep learning. Read sales books, take online courses, and learn from mentors.

One piece of advice I often give is this: never underestimate the power of listening. The best remote sales reps are not the ones who talk the most, but the ones who ask thoughtful questions and pay attention to what the customer says.

My Own Observations and Stories

I once spoke with a remote sales rep who started out selling gym memberships online during the pandemic. At first, he struggled because he felt he wasn’t “salesy” enough. Over time, he learned that sales isn’t about being pushy—it’s about understanding people’s needs. Now he works for a fitness app company, closing deals with gyms across North America, all from his living room.

Stories like this are common. Many people who never thought they’d succeed in sales have found remote roles that match their strengths.

The Future of Remote Sales Careers

Remote sales is here to stay. With AI tools, better video platforms, and global hiring, the opportunities are only going to increase. Some experts predict that by 2030, most sales teams will be remote-first.

Conclusion

Remote sales jobs have opened doors for people around the world. Whether you’re starting out in entry-level roles or aiming for high-paying account executive positions, the flexibility and opportunities are unmatched. Of course, there are challenges, but with the right skills, mindset, and tools, you can build a successful career from anywhere.

FAQs

Q: Do I need experience to get a remote sales job?
Not always. Many entry-level positions only require strong communication skills and a willingness to learn.

Q: Can I earn good money in remote sales?
Yes. Many roles offer a base salary plus commission, and in industries like SaaS, pay can be very competitive.

Q: What’s the hardest part of remote sales?
Staying motivated and dealing with rejection without in-person support can be tough, but building routines helps.

Q: Are remote sales jobs legit?
Most are, but always research the company before applying. Avoid roles that sound too good to be true.