Definition of the word commercial traveller

The term "commercial traveller" originally emerged in the mid-19th century as a description for individuals who traveled from place to place, selling goods or promoting services on behalf of a company. These travelers, also known as "door-to-door salesmen," typically covered long distances by train, horse-drawn carriage, or even on foot, visiting small towns and rural areas to meet with potential customers. During this time, the popularity of mail-order catalogs was on the rise, and many companies used commercial travelers to expand their customer base beyond urban areas. These travelers would carry product samples or company literature, demonstrate the benefits of their products, and attempt to persuade customers to place an order. They were paid a commission based on the volume of sales they generated. As transportation options improved and communication technology advanced, some companies replaced door-to-door selling with marketing techniques such as direct mail, print ads, and phone sales. However, the term "commercial traveller" has persisted and is still occasionally used to describe salespeople who travel to meet with clients or demonstrate products in person. Additionally, the term has evolved to include other types of traveling professionals, such as consultants, recruiters, and auditors, who travels for business purposes.