Salesmanship and the Trail to Eagle
Salesmanship is an elective merit badge. It is not required for any rank, but it can count as one of the 8 elective badges a scout needs for Eagle, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges. Elective badges are also where most scouts discover hobbies and careers, so choose ones you are genuinely curious about. Browse the complete merit badge list to compare options.
Salesmanship Merit Badge Requirements
Summary of the 7 main requirements for Salesmanship. Always confirm the exact wording with your counselor or the current official BSA requirements.
- 1
Do the following:
- a.Explain the responsibilities of a salesperson.
- b.Explain the differences between a business-to-business salesperson and a consumer salesperson.
- 2
Explain why it is important for a salesperson to research the market and learn about the product.
- 3
Write and present a sales plan for a product and a sales territory assigned by your counselor.
- 4
Make a sales presentation of a product assigned by your counselor.
- 5
Do ONE of the following and keep a record: help your unit raise funds, sell your services, or earn money through retail selling.
- 6
Do ONE of the following: interview a salesperson, or interview a retail store owner.
- 7
Investigate and report on career opportunities in sales.
Merit badge names and emblems are trademarks of Scouting America (Boy Scouts of America). Eagle Compass is an independent tool and is not affiliated with or endorsed by Scouting America. Requirements are summarized for planning purposes; the official requirements are authoritative.
How to Earn the Salesmanship Merit Badge
1. Get a blue card and a counselor
Ask your Scoutmaster for approval to start Salesmanship, then find a registered merit badge counselor for it through your troop or council.
2. Plan around the setting
Salesmanship is usually earned on your own with a counselor. Schedule regular check-ins with your counselor so partial progress does not stall.
3. Budget the time
Expect about a month for a moderate badge like this one. Working with a partner or at a merit badge clinic can shorten it.
4. Track every requirement
Keep notes as you complete each item so your counselor can sign off without re-doing work. Eagle Compass tracks all 9 Salesmanship requirements for you.
Salesmanship Merit Badge FAQ
Is the Salesmanship merit badge required for Eagle Scout?
No. Salesmanship is an elective merit badge. It can count as one of the 8 elective badges needed for Eagle Scout, alongside the 13 Eagle-required badges.
How long does the Salesmanship merit badge take?
Most scouts finish Salesmanship in about a month, depending on counselor availability and how the requirements are scheduled.
Where do scouts usually earn the Salesmanship merit badge?
Salesmanship is most often earned on your own with a counselor. Any registered merit badge counselor for Salesmanship can sign off requirements.
How many requirements does the Salesmanship merit badge have?
Salesmanship has 7 main requirements with 2 sub-requirements, for 9 items in total.
