The customer refuses to sell, will you still insist?

It's hard to know where to start—“no sales” signs have become a common sight in almost every office. Some companies even invested heavily in high-quality, professionally designed materials. Entire buildings are filled with uniform cards that hang on doors, each one carefully crafted and placed. Some are handwritten on blank paper, while others are printed and mounted on special metal stands, just like the elegant welcome signs you'd find outside top-tier hotels. They shine and catch the eye, making it clear that these words are meant to be noticed. In fact, they’re so prominent that they seem to stand guard at the front desk and beside security personnel, firmly blocking the path of any salesperson who dares to knock.

Knock on any door, no matter how small or large the company, and you're likely to find someone in sales. Every business wants its sales team to be strong, confident, and unstoppable. At annual sales conferences, larger companies often invest in training programs, new product launches, and skill-building sessions to keep their sales teams motivated and effective. But what about the basics? From building a list of potential clients to conducting cold calls, preparing for meetings, following up after conversations, identifying customer concerns, and addressing objections—these are all essential skills that salespeople learn before they even step into the field. Yet, who really pays attention to those ubiquitous “no sales” signs? When did the designer come up with this idea?

When a salesperson sees such a sign, they either ignore it or smile. “Haha, it’s funny,” they might say. The same face appears every day, and the salesperson knocking on the door never changes his determined expression. In fact, he's more stubborn and persistent than the sign itself.

So, is this little sign a joke in the eyes of salespeople? Who came up with it? Did the company that put it up ever think about its real purpose?

Many times, business partners have discussed this topic: What is the psychological impact of “no sales” signs? Who exactly is refusing to sell?

When salespeople first start out, senior colleagues often warn them: “Customer rejection is like spring—seasons change, and so do opportunities.” Or “Doubting the product is the buyer’s way of thinking.” Newcomers may not fully understand these phrases at first, but as they gain experience, they begin to see the truth behind them. Refusals in the sales process are like waves on a beach—surfers ride them, and salespeople learn to embrace them. The beauty of this lies in the experience, something you can only truly appreciate when you're in the game.

People inside the office with “no sales” signs might seem annoying, but have you ever seen leaders at the highest levels of government or international figures hesitate to promote their ideas, their vision, or their country? From the Premier of the State Council to global leaders like Clinton, marketing has always played a crucial role in shaping perceptions and driving progress. Marketing isn’t just about selling products—it’s about selling dreams, values, and influence. Reading *The Greatest Salesman in the World* can be inspiring, but if you’re still resistant to marketing, you’ll end up hanging that ridiculous “no sales” sign and watching it block your own growth. Who wants to fall behind in the race of progress?