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Setter vs. closer: which should you go for?

Most remote sales teams split the work in two. The setter books the call. The closer runs it. Here's what each job is, what it pays, and where you should start.

Most people start here

Setter

  • You message people who already raised their hand, usually by filling out a form or answering an ad.
  • You ask a few questions and book the good fits onto a closer's calendar.
  • It's mostly text and DMs. Lots of short conversations a day.
  • You'll also see it posted as SDR or appointment setter.

How you're paid: Usually a fee for each qualified call you book, plus a bonus or commission when it closes.

Setter roles on our board usually advertise OTE of around $4,000 to $6,000 a month.

The next step up

Closer

  • You take 4 to 8 booked calls a day, 30 to 60 minutes each, usually on video.
  • You find out what the person needs and tell them straight whether the offer fits.
  • When it does, you help them sign up.
  • Fewer conversations, more riding on each one.

How you're paid: A percentage of every sale you close. Expect to earn less while you ramp up.

Closer roles on our board usually advertise OTE of around $8,000 to $12,000 a month. Some advertise more.

This is advertised pay from real listings, not what you'll earn. Some roles include a base salary but most pay is commission, beginners usually earn less while they ramp up, and what you earn depends on you, the company, and the role. We don't guarantee a job or income.

Who it fits

Be honest about where you are

Go for setter if

  • You've never sold anything
  • You're good with people over text
  • You want steadier pay while you learn
  • You'd rather have lots of short chats than a few long calls

Go for closer if

  • You've sold before, in any setting
  • You're comfortable on a 45-minute call with a stranger
  • You can handle a slow week without panicking
  • You want to be paid on results

Never sold anything? Start as a setter. Sold before and fine on long calls? Go straight for closer.

Moving up

How setters usually become closers

  1. Start setting

    Get on a team with a good offer and learn what the buyer cares about.

  2. Learn the offer inside out

    Listen to the closers' calls. You'll hear what makes people say yes and what makes them stall.

  3. Ask to take extra calls

    Most teams let a strong setter take a few calls when the closers are full.

  4. Move to closing

    A common route is setter first, then closer 6 to 18 months later. If you've sold before, you can often go straight to closing.

Next step

Ready to look? Start with good roles.

Most roles on the job board show the pay, and most show how much the company makes, so you can size up an offer before you apply.

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