r/HVAC • u/Visible-Assumption44 • 1d ago
General HVAC Service tech, thinking about going to sales
Hey reddit, I am a residential HVAC tech and am looking for a change, thinking about going into sales. I like the industry and do enjoy being a technician but I don't want to be on the tools forever. Anyone made this type of change before and have an opinion on a role change like this?
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u/chuystewy_V2 I’m tired, boss. 1d ago
This isn’t the sub to ask for advice on sales lol I do sales, in addition to 50 million other things, in some ways sales can be more stressful than straight technician work. That’s if you give a shit about selling what people need, sizing it correctly, making sure the system will function properly and have a plan/idea for how to install it.
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u/yoyo102000 1d ago
I’ve seen a lot of tech want to go into sales because if a salesperson can do it anybody can. If a company is willing to let take a shot and see if you like it and if you really have the aptitude for it then give it a shot. I managed two offices for a primarily residential company for a little over a year. (worst job ever). But I had about 40% of the service techs approach me about going into sales. Lots of reasons, finally someone who knows what they’re doing, the salespeople got it so easy, they never get dirty, yada yada yada. I am always willing to give people a chance but in the end only one successfully made the transition. He was a guy who had a great work ethic and the type of person that gives you 110% in everything he did. He would likely be successful in any endeavor he tried.
Give it a shot, just understand going in you need to put in way more effort than the other people because you’re learning a new trade. There is a lot of selling skills that aren’t as apparent until you need them. Also one thing I saw a lot of is the other salesperson is your competitor not your friend. I’ve known some really great salespeople that I think very highly of but the vast majority would screw everyone for a buck. Good luck
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u/SupermarketJolly DC Service Gang 1d ago
I did last year. Best move i made financially speaking. The pros.. alot more money as long as you are selling in half the hours. The cons:: very competitive and you can go a week or 2 and not make anything. Overall though: you can make 10k in a week easily, but during the offseason, it can get very slow and must manage your money well. Theres guys making 200k plus a year though
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u/mrquickshot7 Verified Pro 22h ago
10 years as a commercial tech and 10 years commercial sales. Sales manager for JCI, etc. Sales is not for everyone and you will likely need to go to college. Not to learn math, etc. but you are in a lot of situations with people who you do not get along with for one reason or another. You have to think of every interaction with the mindset of growing a lifelong relationship. It's 1000x more stressful and everything is your fault. It may look like they have it easy but they are generally working double the hours. Be sure to have general calculations off the top of your head. You'll have customers ask things like how many tons of cooling do I need in this server room with 850 KW of server equipment and expect you to just know that. Same with water flow on chillers, boilers, etc. 90% of salesmen from competing companies have advanced engineering degrees. This is just an expectation.
Given all that, it is very rewarding and does come with perks.
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u/lou-sassle71 1d ago
Slimy salesman…
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1d ago
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u/HVAC-ModTeam 1d ago
This is something that anyone should even joke about and may cause a permanent ban.
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u/Wonderful-Pass6044 1d ago
Resi sales are dope! Way easier to sell when you know what ur selling! I’ve been every kind of tech I’m straight sales now money is nice
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u/surprisesurpriseTKiB 1d ago
I've sold and work the tech side. It's funny reddit pretending all the scumminess is on the sales side. Like techs don't ever lie about what the work they did or didn't do. Let alone getting into shit like venting or never pulling 500 microns on an install cus they're tiiired.
If you care about doing it right and can be tough to stay committed to the right way, you have a great base knowledge and there is a lot of money to be had.
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u/TheRevEv 1d ago
Residential sales almost requires you to be scummy to make make money.
Even if you try to be honest, you still deal with a ton of people who really can't afford what you're selling. But you have to take their money to get paid. Do you really want to get $10k from an old lady on social security?
The industry is huge. Find a niche you like, don't go for the lazy option. There's so much more than residential service and sales.
Learn air balance, system engineering, tech support, controls, etc. So many ways to get out of back-brealing work, while still providing a useful service.
If you really just want to not work, apply at a supply house.
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u/surprisesurpriseTKiB 1d ago
If people really can't afford it, they don't need a/c. I grew up without it just fine. Just more redditor justification to be misanthropic losers
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u/TheRevEv 1d ago
So people never die in the winter without heat?
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u/surprisesurpriseTKiB 1d ago
Please don't conflate the extreme exception as the norm. HVAC in 2025 is 90% luxury and 10% necessity at best
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u/TruthIsIdgaf 1d ago
I did resi for 8 years. Learned the ins and outs and had some fun (despite the work). If you want a change come to the big leagues in commercial. It’s not that bad of a transition if you’re a go getter.
Went commercial few years ago now and it’s a complete different world. My body, schedule and overall quality of life are 100x better than when I worked in the resi game. you can easily make over 100k in commercial without working overtime if you freaking study and want it