The Hard Truth About Sales: A Salesperson's Struggle in a World of "Experts"

If you’ve ever worked in sales, you know one undeniable truth: it’s hard! It can often be like “trying to sand a wet piece of wood” hard. It’s not just about knowing your products, delivering great customer service, or having an airtight knowledge of the industry. No, the biggest challenge? Dealing with potential clients who think they know more than you—because they did a little Googling last night.

The Age of Instant Expertise: why Salespersons Struggle

Once upon a time, people trusted professionals. You went to a doctor when you were sick, a mechanic when your car made that “clunk-thud” noise, and a contractor when you needed a deck built. But now? A five-minute scroll through a DIY blog or a couple of YouTube videos, and suddenly, everyone is a self-proclaimed expert.  Today the expert salesperson struggles to connect as a trusted, knowledgeable expert.

We get it, the internet is full of information. But let’s be real—just because you watched a guy named Chad from Wisconsin install his own deck doesn’t mean you’re ready to take on the trade. And it definitely doesn’t mean you should argue with the person who’s been in the industry for years solving construction problems daily.

The Budget Battle: Why Are We Playing 20 Questions?

Here’s another tough pill to swallow: Potential clients are often their own worst enemies. The number of people who walk in, refuse to share a budget, and expect us to magically guess what they want is staggering. The struggle is real, salespeople are not here to judge your finances. We’re not sizing you up to see if you belong in the “cheap materials” aisle or the “big spender” section.

We’re here to help guide you to the best solution within your means.

Imagine walking into a steakhouse and telling the server, “I’d like a meal, but I won’t tell you what I want to spend.” Are you getting the $12 burger or the $85 filet? Who knows? Not us. And then, when we offer options, customers sometimes get offended—like we were supposed to just know their budget telepathically. We’re salespeople, not mind readers (though that skill would certainly make our jobs easier).

The Unwinnable Game of Sales

Salesperson's shouldn't have to struggle, we aren’t the enemy here. We’re not hiding the “good” products from you. We’re not inflating prices just for fun. We’re here to educate, offer solutions, and help you get the best value for your money. But when potential customers come in with their guard up, convinced we’re out to scam them, it creates an impossible situation.

The truth is, sales in today’s world isn’t just hard—it’s an endurance sport. It requires patience, deep breaths, and sometimes resisting the urge to respond to a customer’s “I read online that this should cost way less” with, “Oh, did the internet also tell you that cutting corners on materials is why your neighbor’s deck collapsed last summer?” (We’d never actually say that… out loud.)

We’re On Your Side—If You Let Us Be

Our passion led us here. We aim to provide you with the best service, advice, and education to ensure you make the most informed decision that is best for you.

So here’s the deal. Next time you walk into a store, whether it’s Deckmasters Supply Store or anywhere else, take a deep breath and remember: The salesperson in front of you isn’t your opponent, they’re a resource. Give us real answers to real questions, and we’ll do everything we can to help. We’re here to make your project better, not to make your life harder.

Now, if you’ll excuse us, we have to go educate another internet expert on why pressure-treated wood isn’t the same as composite decking. Wish us luck!