The Summer Sales Wife Survival Guide
What is “Summer Sales?”
Various pest control, solar, and alarm companies employ 1099 contractors to go door to door during the summer (typically April/May - Aug/Sept) selling their services in places all over the country. It’s a strictly commission-based job so you get out what you put in and the grind is real. The schedule is typically 10/11 am til dark and where you end up going is usually VERY hot. So these guys bake and get the door slammed in their faces for about 10 hours a day when they could be at the lake or on a beach vacation. Why do they do it? Well, depending on the industry, 25K is on the low end of what you can make in the four months they’re out knocking. Most are able to make enough for it to last them til the next summer. The ones who are really good get ahead in life, come out of school with no debt, drive really nice cars, and own real estate or start companies with their capital before they even graduate college. Some of them even end up dropping out of college because no entry level post grad job can make them the kind of money they’re already earning. Then they play the rest of the year.
No summer sales guy loves their job. But they will tell you they love the lifestyle it allows them to live in the offseason.This will be my husband’s fourth summer selling and if it weren’t for summer sales we would not be able to be this young and live the kind of life we live right now. We’ve been crazy blessed because of it. There is no other job where you can make this much without having a degree or owning your own business. So, if you and your husband are considering doing it and he’s even remotely good at talking to people and has a good work ethic….DO IT. Extra points if he served an LDS mission. He’ll already be used to talking to people and dealing with rejection.
If you are a new summer sales wife or you’ve struggled in the past summers going out this post is for you! I’ll be going over what to expect and how to prepare mentally, what to pack, and how to stay busy. Also, despite the fact that they could potentially pull in more money than you could even dream of, do not underestimate your role as their wife or significant other during the summer. Their success is greatly influenced by your presence and assistance. You are a TEAM and you are a direct contributor to their mental, physical, and financial health. All they really have the time and energy to do is sell, eat, and sleep. You have to be in charge of the rest. I’ve gone out with my husband for 2 summers now and he’ll agree with every word I just typed.
What to Expect:
Schedule-wise, he’ll probably have a meeting in the morning. Encourage him to work out before it. He’ll be happier, I promise. Make sure he gets breakfast. My husband loves toaster waffles, microwavable sausages, and orange juice (bc he has the palette of a child). But those are easy so I can’t complain. I get him frozen Kodiak Cakes protein waffles and turkey sausage so it’s healthy. Then pack his lunch. I usually do a sandwich of some sort wrapped in a paper towel stuffed in a ziplock bag, a small bag of chips, a granola or protein bar of some sort, beef jerky maybe (you can get little packs at Costco), a couple packs of fruit snacks, and mayyybe some baby carrots. Then he’s off and you’re home for the next 10 hours if you don’t have a job. This is where I highly advise getting a dog or a cat or a pet of some sort. Unless you’re good friends with some of the other wives you will go insane. And if you don’t have a car you’ll go even more insane. This is where you need to capitalize on your hobbies and get any projects done that you’ve been pushing off. Don’t worry, you got this. Just plan your day/weeks/weekends out so you don’t turn into a useless slob. Plan trips as well. This will keep you sane. You will need to escape sometimes. He will too.
He will most likely get paid every other week during the summer. Usually he’ll get a flat fee per sale up front and then 2 backend checks later in the year. One in the fall and then one in the winter. The one in the winter is usually the biggest one. You will need to budget accordingly the rest of the year to make it last, though. If it’s your first summer doing it you might still need to work another job when you get back to hold you over til the first or second backend check hits your bank account. But I promise, if your man was dedicated, trained hard, and worked the hours you will be AMAZED at the number staring back at you. Also, if he did well he will probably qualify for a company paid trip(s) and those are always super fun! We’ve been on cruises to Mexico and the Bahamas twice with the company he worked for.
How to Prepare:
Before going out, sit down and have a real talk with each other to set some expectations and ground rules. Get on the same page. Let him know that you know it’s going to be hard and that you will take care of everything so all he has to do is focus on making money. If you already know your separate roles, it will help you both avoid a lot of arguments. Make sure to let him know this is just the summer arrangement, though! He goes back to pulling his own weight with chores after you guys get back lol. Let him know that you need to go out on the weekends and sometimes for dinner on weeknights to stay sane. Tell him even if he’s tired, he needs to suck it up for at least one day of the weekend and take you out. You’re a human being, not a maid or a pet waiting for him at home.
You have to understand before you go out that it’s not going to be easy. Especially if you’re the needy/clingy type bc your husband will be gone literally all day. It’s time to be the independent self you are/always knew you could be. Also, if your husband is actually dedicated and wants this badly then you need to accept the fact that you are going to be number 2 during the summer and THAT IS OKAY. It’s only for a few months and the reward is definitely worth it if you can suck it up and deal. Remember, his job SUCKS. His life is waaaay worse than yours. He walks up to 10 miles a day in the blazing heat, with bugs biting him and getting the door slammed in his face constantly. Can you blame him for not being chipper all the time? He works from sun up to sun down for you to be able to buy that thing you’ve been eyeing and so you guys can go on that trip in the fall. Be patient with him. There is a learning curve and it’s easy to get discouraged. Be his support and his rock. Give him space if he needs it, or shower him with love. Whatever it is, you’ll know what he needs. Just as long as you aim to serve and stay selfless, things should run pretty smoothly.
Your job is to make sure the house is clean. Always. This will help him feel less stressed when he gets home. You have no excuse for it not to be! You probably have nothing going on. Your job is to also make sure his laundry is done. Always. Again, there is no excuse. He doesn’t have the time or energy to do it himself. Your job is also to make sure he eats. Get him a good lunch box as in one that actually keeps the food cold and pack him a lunch to save money! Basically, you are in charge of making sure EVERYTHING else is taken care of so his sole focus can be to make the most of the short time he’s out there so you guys can live the rest of the year the way most people cannot. He’s going to be exhausted most of the time. He might not want to talk much either. It’s going to put a new kind of strain/pressure on your marriage that you may not have ever experienced before. But it’s temporary. Remember that. He still loves you. I’m not at all saying he’s allowed to be rude to you and ignore you but you have to be okay not talking to him 24/7 throughout the day because it will distract him. Also, DON’T encourage him to stay home. There will be those days where you’ll be having a breakdown and just want him around but time is short and you have to remember why you guys are out there. Remember the money, sister!
How to Stay Busy:
Not sure what you’re going to do all day? Here are some ideas.
Develop a routine. This is important for your mental and physical health.
Get a job at the gym or your fave store so you can get a discount!
Get a pet (you would not believe how big of a difference this will make. I’d die without Chloe.)
Get a gym membership and then GO EVERY DAY.
Get to know the other wives if there are any. It can be intimidating but they’re in the exact same spot as you and you could potentially meet some of your best friends.
Get involved in your church.
Try new recipes.
Take up network marketing.
Listen to podcasts.
Go to the pool.
Online shop.
Plan out your weekends.
Start a show.
Read books.
Explore the city you’re in. I usually go on Pinterest and search “things to do in (insert main city)” and save all the ideas you like to a board. I love food and trying new restaurants so I’ll also search hashtags on IG and try to find foodie accounts for that location which I then save to a board on IG. This helps a lot when we don’t know where to go eat!
Take an online class or two for your guy ;)
Find local events going on.
Find free classes and try new things! (Groupon is a great place to find stuff like this)
If you’re interested in a certain thing, use social media to connect with other people or local groups in the area and meet up with them! I did this last summer and it was really fun! I met and hung out with various photographers and content creators who were super nice and showed me around the city. All I did was search for related hashtags on IG and DM-ed some of the people I found! You could do this with literally anything!
Date ideas that are low energy bc if your mans is anything like mine he’s not gonna have much energy lol:
Movies
Dinner
Game nights with other couple friends
Movies
Dinner
Visit local attractions
Movies
Dinner
Concerts
What to Pack - Home Edition:
This is just a list of suggestions. Do with it what you want but this is what I like to pack if I have the room and/or don’t want to break the bank when I get there. I also like to cook and do it often so keep that in mind.
At least one pot and one pan (2 pans if you cook often)
A cookie sheet
One small and one large cutting board
2 spatulas
A mixing spoon
2 hand towels for the kitchen
Laundry detergent (can be bought there)
Fabric softener sheets (can be bought there)
A crock pot, instant pot, blender or any other appliance you use often and can’t live without. Try and only take one to save space, though.
A vacuum if you have room (I recommend the cordless Dyson ones or you could buy a broom when you get there.)
A mattress pad for your bed. (We always had rented furniture and the mattress was FAR from comfy so the mattress pad was a must for me. Another option is ordering a mattress that offers a 100 day trial period (ex: purple) and then switching to another one if you’re out longer than that.)
A comforter or quilt
Sheet set and pillowcases
2 pillows
Beach towels (The apartment complex will likely have a pool)
Bath towels (2)
Hangers (nice to have right when you get there but also can be bought there)
4 bowls, 4 sets of silverware, 4 large plates, 4 small plates, 4 water cups (all of this can also be bought when you get there or you can buy disposable ones…although that makes me cringe even typing it.)
Adequate tupperware for leftovers
Reusable water bottles. (A big hydroflask or something like that would be ideal for him so he stays hydrated and his water stays cold all day.)
A cooler/lunch box so he can pack a lunch
An ice pack to stick in his lunch box
Any spices you like to cook with (can also be bought there but I’d rather just bring mine since I probably won’t use an entire new one by the time I leave)
Knives for cooking
Measuring cups and spoons if you like to cook
Can opener
1-2 mixing bowls
A water filter (a britta, etc. bc you probably won’t have a water dispensing fridge)
A laundry basket/bag of some sort
Shampoo and conditioner (can be bought there)
Body wash (can be bought there)
An internet router
Bath mat(s)
Shower curtain
Any perishable food or canned stuff that might expire while you’re gone
Dish soap (can be bought there)
Handsoap (can be bought there)
Sunscreen (You better make him put this on.)
Baby powder. (Maybe the medicated kind? He’ll want it. Trust me. hahaha)
Tooth paste
Small umbrella
Scissors
Chip clips
Things you’ll definitely want to wait to buy til you get to your area:
A TV from Costco. They have a 90 day return policy. No questions asked. That way you don’t have to travel with your own TV and risk getting it stolen. Then, when that 90 days is up, return and rebuy, baby.
Get a coffee table, a TV stand, nightstands, or other random furniture you may need off facebook marketplace for dirt cheap. Like I said, we usually rent furniture but you can also just buy all of it second hand for however much you want to spend and resell it before you leave. I know people who have done this and you can definitely save money this way.
A kitchen trash can and garbage bags
Dish scrubber or sponge
Ziplock bags
Toilet paper
Paper towels
*Side note: Since you’ll be starting with an empty kitchen and fridge, the best way to save money when it comes to groceries and to not overbuy is to plan meals each week so you only buy ingredients you will use. And then, if you’re the type of girl who likes/needs to nest I’d recommend bringing 1-2 pieces to hang, a candle, maybe a throw pillow and a throw blanket but that’s it. Go to homegoods or tjmaxx when you get there if you must.
What to Pack - Clothing Edition
For him:
4-5 pairs of comfortable but professional looking shorts (my husband likes nike golf or lulu shorts)
A belt if his shorts have loops and he plans on tucking his polo in.
1-2 comfortable pairs of walking shoes that he can knock in.
Socks (Try doing a variation of tall and short ones so he doesn’t get too bad of a sock tan lol.)
A rain jacket if you’re going somewhere that has summer storms.
3 nice outfits for going out on the weekends.
Workout clothes and shoes
A few chill outfits to hang out in
Swimsuits
Church clothes
For you:
This really depends on you and what you like to do. You’ll want to pack pretty minimally and you can always buy stuff once you’re out there too. This is just a rough list that I typically go off of.
2-3 pairs of shorts
5 sets of workout clothes
Workout shoes
4 nice outfits
5+ swimsuits (you’ll be in the pool or tanning more than you think)
Flip flops and sandals
1-2 pairs sneakers
A couple church outfits (including heels)
Basically all my cute and comfy clothes (i.e. leggings, sweats, biker shorts, t-shirts) bc I know I’ll be mostly just hanging out.
Lastly, I HIGHLY RECOMMEND having 2 cars or at least ensuring that you personally have a car available to drive while he’s working. Maybe you share with another wife? Either way, you NEED a car in my opinion. Having two cars may mean that you and your guy have to drive tandem on your way out but I promise it’s worth it. It makes a world of difference in your quality of life and helps you not feel like you’re trapped or stranded. That is, unless your housing is located in a place where you can walk to everything. Then, you’d probably be okay but if not, you’ll want that car. There’s just something about being able to go to the grocery store or the mall whenever you please. I’ve done the summer with and without one before and I was absolutely miserable without a car.
Ok, that is all I have! Honestly, some people hate moving every summer for their husband’s sales job but I think it’s super fun to go and experience a new place. It gets you out of your comfort zone and your relationship grows so much as well! If you have any other questions or there was something I didn’t cover let me know in the comments or you can message me directly!
xxx,
Sam