Will Door-to-Door and Street Vendors be replaced by AI & Robots?

Key findings

Door-to-door sales workers, news, and street vendors sell goods or services directly to customers at their homes or on the street.

These workers rely on skills like reading comprehension, active listening, speaking, social perceptiveness, coordination, persuasion, negotiation, service orientation, judgment, and decision-making.

Generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) is unlikely to automate these blue-collar jobs due to the physical nature of the tasks.

While GenAI will impact the work by streamlining processes and enhancing customer interactions, the unique skills and personal touch of these workers will continue to be valued.

In the future, certain skills like information ordering and digital data processing may be automated, but the human element of sales and customer relationships will remain essential in these roles.

How could AI or automation replace or complement job activities?

AI, automation, like ChatGPT, could automate activities in the job of selling products door-to-door.

It could handle information ordering, digital data processing, and record-keeping tasks.

For example, AI could create prospect lists, enter orders, and answer product inquiries, freeing up time for sales workers to focus on persuading customers and delivering merchandise.

Job description

Sells goods or services directly to customers at their homes or on the street.