What is Sales? Types, Examples, Jobs & Skills You Need in 2025

Sales means spotting, talking to and turning possible buyers into happy customers. Sales help people solve problems, build trust and share something useful while helping a business earn money. It can happen in many ways like talking in a store or selling something big over a video call. No matter how it happens, sales is important in every kind of job.

In business, sales and marketing often work like a team. Marketing grabs attention and finds leads. In business, sales and marketing work together as a team. Marketing gets people interested and finds possible buyers. Then sales steps in to turn that interest into real action using the sales pipeline. 

Whether it’s a tech company selling software or an online store turning clicks into purchases, sales use smart plans, helpful tools, and clear communication to get results.

This guide shows what is sales really means, the types of sales jobs, the top sales roles in India, what pay to expect, and the best courses to start your path. Whether you’re in college, changing jobs or just want to know more, learning sales can unlock doors in places like tech, FMCG, retail and more.

Learning sales not only helps salespeople but it boosts anyone who wants to grow, lead or make a big difference.

What is Sales in Marketing & Business? Core Definitions and Concepts

Understanding what is sales is essential in both marketing and business. This can be a product or a service. The goal is to finish the sale. Salespeople find out what the customer needs, share how the product helps, answer questions, and close the deal.

Sales is not just quick selling. It’s also about earning trust, building relationships, and helping the customer win. Good sales help both the buyer and the sales organization.

What is Sales in a Business Context?

Sales help a business earn money, foster business growth, and gain more customers. Great salespeople also learn from customers, share ideas with product teams, and work closely with sales and marketing teams.

Sales reps stand at the front of the company. They turn interest into buying. Some salespeople meet sales goals each month, while others take care of long-term clients. 

Their job keeps going after the deal. They follow up, build trust, and keep customers happy, so they come back again.

What is Sales in Marketing?

A key aspect of understanding what is sales in marketing lies in how both functions support the customer journey. In the marketing funnel, sales come in after people notice and get curious about the brand. 

Marketing teams pull people in with ads, stories, or search engines. Sales teams then talk to those people, show how the product helps within the selling process and sales funnel, and lead them to say yes.

Marketing and sales are like two halves of one team. When they work together well, they help the customer and close more sales.

Core Functions of Sales

Sales is not about pushing something. It’s about solution selling—solving problems and guiding customers to the right choice. Every successful sales process follows a few core steps. Let’s walk through them one by one

• Prospecting: Look for new people who may want to buy.
• Qualifying Leads: Check if they are a good fit.
• Presentation/Demo: Show how the product solves their problem.
• Negotiation: Talk through any worries about price, features, or time.
• Closing: Finish the deal and agree to move forward.
• After-Sales Service: Stay in touch, help them stay happy, and bring them back.

Sales is not about pushing something. It’s about solution selling, solving problems and guiding customers to the right choice.

Real-World Examples

B2C Example: An employee at Croma greets a shopper, helps them compare phones, and guides them to the best choice. This is a business-to-consumer (B2C) sale.

B2B Example: A salesperson at Freshworks meets online with a manager from a logistics company. They learn what the company needs, offer a custom plan through customer relationship management, and close the deal. This is business-to-business (B2B) selling.

Types of Sales Activities

• Outbound Sales: You reach out first by calling, emailing or messaging.
• Inbound Sales: You reply to people who already show interest.
• Retail Sales: You help walk-in customers in stores or malls.
• Consultative Sales: You take time, build trust, and find the perfect fit.
• Field Sales: You go to the customer’s place to meet them.
• Telesales: You sell by phone, either calling out or picking up.
• Digital or Social Selling: You use apps like LinkedIn or Instagram to chat and sell online.

Why Sales Matters in Every Business

Sales is more than just a team. It touches everything in a company. It brings in money, proves that the product works, and keeps customers close.

Today’s sales teams use smart sales automation tools like CRMs (Salesforce, HubSpot), and talk to customers in many ways, like email, phone, or social media. In this digital-first world, great salespeople use data, move fast, and stay helpful.

Expert Insight from Kraftshala Sales Coach

Most students think sales means being pushy. But that’s not true. The best salespeople listen first, then share value. They are smart helpers and good at building trust.

Explore how sales fits into a digital-first world and supports omnichannel communication strategies.

Types of Sales: A Breakdown of Modern Sales Models

Sales have changed a lot over the years. Now, it includes many types based on how people sell, who they sell to, and how they guide customers. 

If you’re starting a job in sales or want to get better at business, learning these types can help you choose the right path for your skills and work style.

1. Inside Sales

Inside sales means selling from far away. You call, email, or video chat with customers. It’s common in EdTech, SaaS, and online shopping, where outside sales representatives handle deals that happen on screens.

Example: An EdTech counselor at BYJU’S turns phone calls and Zoom chats into course sign-ups without ever meeting the student in person.

2. Outside Sales (Field Sales)

Outside sales means meeting people face-to-face. These jobs often include traveling, visiting existing customers, and growing relationships. You see this in industries like pharma, FMCG, and manufacturing.

Example: A Territory Sales Manager at HUL drops in at shops, checks displays, and hits monthly goals by building trust with store owners.

3. B2B Sales (Business-to-Business)

B2B sales is one of the most strategic types of sales, where one business sells to another. These deals take longer, involve more decision-makers, and require thoughtful conversations and custom solutions.

Example: A Freshworks executive walks a logistics company through many demos, answers every doubt, and closes a deal for customer support software.

4. B2C Sales (Business-to-Consumer)

B2C sales is when a business sells to individual people. It’s usually fast, with lots of decisions made on the spot, setting the stage for future sales . You need to talk clearly and help quickly.

Example: A salesperson at Croma helps a shopper pick the best laptop, explains the features, and wraps up the sale.

5. Retail Sales

Retail sales happen in stores, malls, and booths. Here, you focus on helping customers face-to-face, answering questions, and closing the sale quickly.

Example: A Levi’s store helper shows different jeans, shares fashion tips, and upsells a jacket based on the shopper’s choice.

6. E-commerce Sales

E-commerce sales happen on websites like Flipkart, Amazon, or brand stores. Success depends on how you shape product pages, run ads on social media platforms , and price smartly.

Example: A digital manager updates product listings, launches promo deals, and boosts sales each day on Amazon India.

7. Consultative Sales

This type of sales means really understanding a buyer’s needs before selling. You ask questions, listen closely, and offer a plan that fits perfectly.

Example: A Zoho consultant talks to a small business, studies their work, and recommends the right CRM system after learning their goals.

8. Enterprise Sales

Enterprise sales include big deals with big companies. These sales efforts take months, with many leaders involved and lots of custom planning.

Example: A senior sales manager closes a multi-crore software deal after months of demos, feedback rounds, and final talks with a global firm.

9. Telesales

Telesales happen only on the phone. Some people call new leads, others talk to interested customers. You’ll see this in banks, telecom, and insurance.

Example: A telecom rep calls current users, shares a better mobile plan, and gets them to upgrade during the chat.

10. Digital or Social Selling

This type uses apps like LinkedIn, Instagram, and WhatsApp. You build trust online, post updates, reply to messages, and close deals digitally.

Example: A real estate agent shares videos and home tours, chats on WhatsApp, and sells homes through LinkedIn connections.

How to Choose the Right Type of Sales Role

If you’re new to sales and wondering what is sales are like in different roles, start by identifying your strengths and interests. Each type demands different skills and suits different personalities:

• If you’re new, try inside sales or B2C jobs. They help you build confidence and practice how to talk and listen.
  
• If you like to speak well, give great ideas, and work on big goals, go for consultative or enterprise sales.
  
• If you love tech and online life, check out e-commerce or social selling roles where you can shine online.

Many modern sales roles now merge with digital, content, or performance marketing tasks to create better customer experiences.

Top Sales Jobs in India and What They Involve

Sales jobs in India stretch across many fields from old-style FMCG firms to cool new tech startups. Each role brings its own tasks, needed skills for generating revenue, pay styles, and chances to grow. 

Understanding what is sales in different business settings and the types of sales involved can help students, job switchers, and working professionals pick smart career paths based on their strengths and interests.

Here’s a fun and clear list of the top sales jobs in India today. It shows real-world examples, needed skills, average salaries, and how each role can grow.

1. Sales Executive

Skillset: Speak well, know the product, use simple deals
Average Salary: ₹2.5–4 LPA (more with time)
Growth Path: Sales Executive → Area Sales Manager → Zonal Manager
Example: In companies like Nestlé or Dabur, sales executives visit, chat with, and help local shopkeepers. They make sure products sit well on shelves and orders reach on time.

This is a great first job to start building your sales skills.

2. Business Development Associate (BDA)

Skillset: Spot leads, give pitches, seal deals, use sales tools
Average Salary: ₹3–6 LPA + bonuses
Growth Path: BDA → Senior BDA → Team Lead → Sales Manager
Example: In learning apps like BYJU’S or Vedantu, BDAs call, chat, and guide students to join courses.

This is a fast and fun job for people who chase goals and love energy.

3. Inside Sales Executive

Skillset: Sell online, handle calls, ease doubts
Average Salary: ₹3.5–5.5 LPA
Growth Path: Sales Executive → Account Executive → Sales Manager
Example: In companies like Zoho or LeadSquared, inside sales folks email, Zoom, or call customers and turn clicks into buys.

This role is great for people who like working from home with little travel.

4. Pre-Sales Consultant

Skillset: Show solutions, demo products, write smart plans
Average Salary: ₹5–8 LPA
Growth Path: Pre-Sales Manager → Solutions Architect
Example: In firms like Infosys or Wipro, pre-sales pros explain, show, and team up with tech experts to help sell tricky tools.

They build bridges between the sales team and the tech team.

5. Key Account Manager (KAM)

Skillset: Grow big accounts, keep clients happy, seal large deals
Average Salary: ₹7–10 LPA
Growth Path: National KAM → Strategic Account Director
Example: In Airtel Business or B2B tech, KAMs handle, grow, and stay close to big customers.

They make sure clients stick around and spend more.

6. Territory Sales Manager (TSM)

Skillset: Know the local area, lead teams, handle shops
Average Salary: ₹6–9 LPA
Growth Path: Area Sales Manager → Regional Manager
Example: In Marico or Britannia, TSMs watch over sales in towns, guide teams, and push product numbers.

They walk the ground and plan with data.

7. Area Sales Manager (ASM)

Skillset: Lead teams, plan well, check numbers
Average Salary: ₹8–12 LPA
Growth Path: Zonal Head → National Sales Manager
Example: In Sun Pharma, ASMs lead a group of medical reps and make sure sales go up across states.

This job is best for those with 4–6 years of strong field work.

8. Customer Success Manager (CSM)

Skillset: Guide clients, fix issues and upsell smoothly
Average Salary: ₹6–10 LPA
Growth Path: Senior CSM → Account Director → VP, Customer Success
Example: In Freshworks or Chargebee, CSMs check in, help, and cheer up customers after a sale. They build trust and spark more buys.

This role suits people who enjoy long chats and happy customers.

Industry Mapping: Where These Roles Typically Exist

Role Title	Common Industries
Sales Executive	Retail, FMCG, Pharma
Business Development Associate	EdTech, FinTech
Inside Sales Executive	SaaS, E-commerce, Startups
Key Account Manager	Telecom, B2B Tech, IT Services
Pre-Sales Consultant	IT/Software, Manufacturing
Territory/Area Manager	FMCG, Automotive, Pharma
Customer Success Manager	SaaS, Cloud Services, FinTech

Kraftshala Placement Mentor Insight:

“Freshers often assume all sales roles are the same. In reality, inside sales in SaaS, retail sales in FMCG, and consultative sales in IT are completely different worlds. Each offers distinct learning curves, pressure levels, and growth opportunities.”

You can explore active listings for sales roles to find the right opportunities across industries.

Sales Salary Insights: What You Can Earn in 2025

When people ask what is sales then one of the first things they want to know is, How much money can I make? Today, sales jobs in India give both steady pay and good chances to grow through rewards, bonuses and future options.

Whether you are beginning your career or leading a team, learning about sales jobs salary in places like SaaS, EdTech, FMCG, and telecom can help you choose wisely.

Let’s explore how much different sales roles may bring in during 2025 based on your work level, field, and role.

Entry-Level Roles (0–2 Years Experience)

Roles:

Sales Executive, Business Development Associate (BDA), Inside Sales Executive

Average Salary: ₹2.5–4.5 LPA

• EdTech BDAs often collect monthly rewards. This can add ₹1.5–2 LPA more to their pay.
  
• Inside sales workers in SaaS earn more fixed pay because the job uses more tech skills.

These roles build your base and start your sales journey with steady learning and income.

Mid-Level Roles (2–6 Years Experience)

Roles:

Territory Sales Manager, Key Account Manager, Pre-Sales Consultant

Average Salary: ₹6–10 LPA

• People in FMCG and pharma climb the pay ladder with steady growth and extra field rewards.
  
• Tech companies offer more with stock plans and bonuses every few months.

These jobs shape your skills and guide you into planning and leadership roles.

Senior-Level Roles (7+ Years Experience)

Roles:

Regional Sales Head, Enterprise Sales Manager, Sales Director

Average Salary: ₹15–25+ LPA

• Enterprise sales in SaaS or B2B tech can bring high pay because of big client deals.
  
• Senior FMCG leaders who oversee large regions often receive bonus money and travel support.

These roles lead teams and drive strong business growth across areas.

Salary by Industry

Industry	Entry-Level (₹ LPA)	Mid-Level (₹ LPA)	Senior-Level (₹ LPA)
FMCG	3.5–4.5	6–9	15–20
EdTech	3–5 + Incentives	6–10	12–18
SaaS / Tech	4–6	8–12	18–25+
Pharma	2.5–4	6–9	14–20
Telecom	3–4.5	6–8	12–18

Incentives, Commissions & Performance Pay

One of the biggest benefits of working in sales is the variable component:

• Incentives are target-based and paid monthly or quarterly.
  
• Commissions are more common in high-ticket B2B or real estate sales.
  
• High performers often double their base salary through these bonuses.

Example: A BDA at an EdTech company may earn ₹4 LPA fixed + ₹2.5 LPA variable if they consistently hit monthly targets.

Factors That Influence Salary

• Location: Metro cities offer higher packages than tier-2 towns.
• Company Type: Startups may offer ESOPs and growth, while MNCs focus on structured raises.
• Education: MBAs, especially in marketing, can fast-track career growth.
• Role Complexity: Consultative and enterprise roles command higher compensation.

Best Sales Courses to Build Skills for High-Performance Roles

A successful sales career isn’t just built on instinct but it requires the right blend of strategy, communication, and data-driven techniques. Whether you’re a fresher or a working professional in sales development, enrolling in a high-quality sales course can accelerate your growth and increase your earning potential.

Here are some of the best sales courses available in 2025 to help you develop critical skills and land high-performance roles across industries like SaaS, EdTech, retail, and FMCG.

1. Kraftshala’s PGP in Sales, Marketing & Business Leadership

• Duration: 11 months (full-time, live online + offline immersion)

• Eligibility: Graduates with 0–5 years of work experience (all streams welcome)

• Curriculum:

  • Sales & Marketing Fundamentals (Sales & Persuasion, Consumer Behavior, Market Research)

  • Digital Marketing (SEO, Performance Marketing, Social Media, E-commerce)

  • Business Leadership (Problem Solving, Analytics, Communication, Negotiation)

• Live Projects: 7 projects across FMCG, B2B, Digital, and E-commerce sectors

• Mentorship: 1-on-1 coaching and feedback from industry leaders (CXOs, Marketing Heads, Business Leaders)

• Placements:

  • Avg. CTC: ₹7.5–17.5 LPA

  • 94% placement rate with 2,400+ alumni placed across all Kraftshala programs

  • Hiring partners include Nestlé, Zomato, Leadsquared, Piramal and more

• Program Format: Live interactive classes, group projects, leadership labs, and recruiter-style evaluations

• Key Differentiators:

  • Placement Accountability (Kraftshala ties its success to your placement outcomes)

  • Real-world sales (beyond classroom theory)

  • Alumni network

• Fees: ₹2,24,000 + GST (with EMI options available; payment linked with placement outcomes)

2. HubSpot Inbound Sales Certification

• Mode: Free, Online
• Duration: 2–3 hours
• Key Features:
  • Covers lead qualification, buyer journey, and sales calls
    
  • Certification from an industry-respected CRM company
• Best For: Beginners interested in consultative and inbound sales, especially in SaaS

3. Coursera – Salesforce Sales Operations Specialization

• Platform: Coursera (Paid with certification)
• Duration: 4 weeks
• Key Features:
  • CRM fundamentals, forecasting, sales productivity
    
  • Learn Salesforce, a top global sales platform
• Best For: Tech-savvy professionals targeting roles in SaaS and B2B environments

4. Udemy – B2B Sales Mastery

• Mode: Self-paced, Online
• Duration: ~5 hours
• Key Features:
  • Teaches pitching, objection handling, and closing techniques
    
  • Practical examples for real-world enterprise sales
• Best For: Professionals moving into B2B or upgrading from transactional to consultative sales

5. ISB Executive Certificate in Strategic Sales Management

• Mode: Online + In-person sessions (hybrid)
• Duration: 10–12 weeks
• Key Features:
  • Focus on sales strategy, distribution, and negotiation
    
  • Faculty from ISB and real-world case studies
• Best For: Mid-level managers aiming for leadership roles in sales or business development

6. UpGrad – PG Program in Sales Management

• Mode: Online
• Duration: 6 months
• Key Features:
  • Covers CRM, key account handling, and territory planning
    
  • Industry mentors and peer networking opportunities
• Best For: Career switchers and graduates preparing for structured corporate sales roles

Tip: Choose a course that aligns with your career stage—short, free courses are great for beginners, while advanced programs from ISB or UpGrad are ideal for mid-career professionals.

Explore the MBA Marketing Salary in India to understand how sales remains a strong and rewarding career path even after an MBA.

Start Your Sales Career with Kraftshala’s PGP in Sales, Marketing, and Business Leadership

When most people think of building a leadership career in sales and marketing, the natural option is a traditional MBA. But Kraftshala’s Post Graduate Program (PGP) in Sales, Marketing, and Business Leadership offers a sharper, industry-first alternative. While MBAs take nearly two years and demand ₹15–25 lakhs in fees, the PGP is an 11-month program, designed to be intensive yet efficient, with fees of around ₹2.24 lakhs and strong placement outcomes. The return on investment is significantly faster, as students graduate ready to step into high-growth roles with salaries ranging between ₹7.5–17.5 LPA.

Here’s what makes it stand out:

• High Career Outcomes, Lower Cost: With program fees at ₹2.24 lakhs and starting salaries ranging from ₹7.5–17 LPA, the return on investment is among the strongest in the industry. In less than a year, you recoup your investment and step into high-growth roles.
• Industry-Backed Curriculum: Designed with senior leaders from companies like Unilever, Nestlé, and Reckitt, the program blends classical brand and sales management with digital, e-commerce, and analytics to prepare you for today’s market.
• Learn by Doing: Instead of only studying frameworks, you’ll solve real business problems, run live sales simulations, build brand strategies, and create campaigns that mirror what top companies expect from their teams.
• Strong Placement Outcomes: Graduates land roles in brand management, sales leadership, and business strategy with starting salaries between ₹7.5–17.5 LPA at companies like Mamaearth, Nykaa, Publicis, and more.
• Personalised Mentorship: One-on-one coaching, CV and interview prep, and live feedback sessions ensure your growth path is individually tracked and supported.
• Leadership Development: Build problem-solving, decision-making, and communication skills in high-pressure simulations designed to make you not just job-ready, but leadership-ready.
• Placement Accountability: You get a 60% fee refund if you are not placed at a salary package of ₹7.5LPA or above.

If your aspiration is to fast-track into impactful careers in sales, marketing, and leadership, Kraftshala’s PGP provides a more direct and cost-efficient path than most MBAs. Instead of waiting two years and spending heavily on a brand signal, you spend 11 months mastering skills, executing projects, and preparing for leadership roles recruiters are already looking to fill.