Someone has something to sell. Someone wants to buy it. A simple transaction. The basis for just about every economy in the world. And the source of millions of jobs. Wholesale and retail sales, and services, encompass the marketing of a mansion, and the sale of a fifteen-minute manicure. Anyone with a thing or a service to sell is a part of this industry. So are the people who plan sales, and figure out how much to buy on behalf of a company, or manufacturer. Many people in sales work for themselves, or as agents receiving a commission. Some represent companies, selling door to door. In fact this form of sales, as old as civilization, is still a great opportunity for someone who wants to have a flexible schedule. The drawback is that you’re often on your own for arranging health care and other benefits. The sale of services is also a huge business—from the cutting of meat, to the styling of hair, services are sold as products to eager consumers. Without requiring more than a high school education, many sales positions are available to people who can prove they’re dependable and trustworthy. Cashiers and store salespersons can get started with on the job training. These positions don’t pay a lot, but they can include benefits, and sometimes a discount on the merchandise being sold. If you show you’re a capable, hard worker, you might be considered for advancement to store manager, or buyer. Another job that’s fairly easy to get, is as a telemarketer. Telephone sales work, like face-to-face sales, requires you to be polite and to have good speaking skills. If you’re shy, you’ll have to get over it fast! Or you might move to a less public position in the business, such as shipping, or order filling. At a higher level, jobs in wholesale and retail sales and services involve appraisal, strategy, planning and managing. People can come into these jobs from college, or by moving up through the business. If you want to start a business of your own offering a product or service, contact the government’s Small Business Administration for advice about getting started.