Subject
Sales personnel -- Fiction Books
Best books
William W. Stuart
The Real Hard Sell
"The Real Hard Sell" by William W. Stuart is a science fiction story published in the early 1960s. Set in a futuristic world dominated by robots and automation, it explores themes of identity, personal dissatisfaction, and the nature of salesmanship. The narrative follows the internal struggles of Ben Tilman, a salesman navigating his professional and personal life in a society where human roles are increasingly supplanted by robots. The story centers on Ben, who experiences a deep sense of dissatisfaction despite having a stable job, a loving wife, and a young child. As he prepares for a housewarming party meant to showcase a new sales approach, he grapples with feelings of emptiness and unresolved tensions about his life choices. During the party, Ben reveals a unique sales pitch involving a fully-automated home—a decision that ultimately leads him to reassess his desire for a less technology-driven, more meaningful existence. The end of the story sees Ben rejecting the suffocating comfort of a robotic lifestyle, opting instead for a more authentic and engaged way of living with his family.
Stephen Marlowe
The passionate pitchman
"The Passionate Pitchman" by Stephen Marlowe is a science fiction novel written in the mid-20th century. The book explores the life of Hector Finch, a passionate salesman who becomes embroiled in a surreal world of teleportation, criminal enterprises, and unexpected romantic entanglements. At its essence, the story captures the thrills and complexities of salesmanship in a fantastical setting. In the narrative, Hector Finch's ordinary life takes a dramatic turn when he encounters the enigmatic Miss Laara and her Foolproof Method of Procurement, which introduces him to the ability to teleport products anywhere at any time. As he grapples with his newfound powers and the temptation to exploit them, Hector faces challenges from the Syndicate—a group that threatens his tenuous grasp on success and relationships. The unfolding events lead Hector into a web of crime and intrigue, all while he navigates his feelings for his fiancée, Patty, turning what initially appeared to be a potential sales paradise into a chaotic adventure that tests his morals, relationships, and identity as both a salesman and a person.
Henry Still
Sales Resistance
"Sales Resistance" by Henry Still is a science fiction story written in the mid-20th century. The narrative unfolds in a society where consumerism is deeply embedded in culture, illustrating the extreme pressures individuals face to conform to the expectations of constant consumption and the reverence of sales personnel. The story likely explores themes related to individuality versus societal demands and critiques the pervasive influence of consumerism. The plot centers around Perry Mansfield, a young man struggling with his identity in a world that equates worth with consumption. After receiving a visit from a Master Salesman, Marlboro, who seeks to sell him an advanced appliance known as the Serve-All, Perry experiences pushing pressure to conform to the societal norm of relentless buying. Despite his initial desire to resist, he finds himself summoned to court for not wanting to purchase the device, showcasing the alarming consequences of non-compliance in this consumer-driven society. Ultimately, the tale highlights Perry's struggle for autonomy against a system that prioritizes consumption over personal choice, culminating in an ironic twist that underscores the story's critique of the consumer culture.
Stephen Marlowe
Excitement for sale
"Excitement for Sale" by Stephen Marlowe is a short story that revolves around the themes of desire, transformation, and the nature of happiness. Written in the mid-20th century, the narrative captures a moment in the lives of suburban housewives, emphasizing their yearnings for adventure and excitement outside the bounds of their mundane domestic lives. The plot hinges on a peculiar salesman who claims to sell happiness tailored to the desires of women, presenting a fantastical twist on the conventional sales pitch. In the story, Mary-Jean, a typical housewife feeling trapped in her routine, encounters a mysterious peddler who offers her the chance to experience the thrill and beauty she craves. After applying a "happiness balm" from the peddler’s suitcase, she undergoes a miraculous transformation into the alluring Jeanne-Marie. This new persona embarks on an adventurous night out, only to find herself entangled with a fugitive, leading to a high-stakes encounter and a self-revelation. Ultimately, Mary-Jean must confront the implications of her newfound identity and the bittersweet nature of change, culminating in her decision to return to her ordinary life, enriched by her extraordinary experience. The story serves as both a critique and an exploration of the desires that dwell within the hearts of those confined by societal expectations.
Chandler Davis
The statistomat pitch
"The Statistomat Pitch" by Chandler Davis is a science fiction story written in the late 1950s. The narrative revolves around a clever salesman who introduces a sophisticated investment device known as the Statistomat to a wealthy potential client, Jed Borch. The book explores themes of finance, ethics in investment practices, and corporate competition, as the protagonist grapples with the implications of the salesman’s pitch and the hidden motives behind it. In the story, Borch meets with the salesman who attempts to convince him to adopt the Statistomat for personalized estate planning and investment management. As the salesman elaborates on the features of the Statistomat, Borch grows increasingly skeptical and inquisitive about the machine's claims and the actual risks involved. Eventually, after probing deeper into the salesman's assertions, Borch reveals his true identity as an investigator for the Fair Trade Corps, exposing the salesman for promoting dubious investment practices. The narrative concludes with Borch’s brother, a junior executive at a competing firm, expressing satisfaction with their efforts to protect their company from potential fraud, encapsulating the competitive tension within the corporate world.
Waldo T. Boyd
The Salesman
"The Salesman" by Waldo T. Boyd is a science fiction short story written in the early 1950s. The narrative unfolds in a futuristic department store where customers encounter high-tech merchandise, specifically humanoid robots referred to as "Roboids." The story focuses on the interactions between a salesman and a couple inquiring about the product, providing a glimpse into consumer behavior and the salesman’s strategies. The plot centers around Trevor Anson, a salesman at Tracy's Roboid Department Store, who skillfully navigates a challenging customer, referred to as "Red-tie," and his wife, Millicent. As Anson attempts to adhere to various sales rules from his guide, he faces skepticism regarding the Roboids, particularly their functionality and safety. Despite his best efforts to demonstrate the product's appeal, the customer remains unconvinced and ultimately leaves without making a purchase. Reflecting on the encounter after the couple departs, Anson finds solace in his routine, symbolizing the pressures and peculiarities of modern salesmanship in a technologically advanced society.
Recently surfaced classics