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SALES ACADEMY
Action Army Training System

SALES ACADEMY

Scripts, objection handlers, trust builders, and AI roleplay — built for trades technicians in the field.

🎯 Intro & Agenda
🛡️ Objections
🤝 Building Trust
🔑 Closing
🔧 Trade-Specific
💬 Power Phrases
🤖 AI Roleplay
⚡ Daily Drill
⚔️ Battle Cards
🔥 Pre-Call Warm-Up
🧠 AI Coach
🔨 Objection Builder
📖 Action Workbook
🪖 Team Workbook
🏅 Certification

INTRO & AGENDA SETTING

The first 90 seconds make or break the call. Control the frame before you open your toolbox.

⚡ The Golden Rule

Whoever sets the agenda controls the call. Walk in with a purpose, state it out loud, and earn the right to present solutions. Never react — always lead.

THE 7-STEP CALL FLOW
Every successful call follows this sequence
1
The Arrival & First Impression
Park clean, uniform on, smile ready. They're watching before you knock. Click to see the script →
"Hi, I'm [Name] with Action Plumbing — I'm the tech they sent out today. You must be [Name]? Pleasure to meet you."

✅ Firm handshake. Make eye contact. Don't look at your phone.
✅ Wipe your feet. Notice something positive about their home and mention it.
✅ Let them lead you in — never walk past them.
2
Setting the Agenda
Tell them exactly what's about to happen. Kills uncertainty and builds instant trust. Click for script →
"So here's what I'd like to do today — I'm going to do a full diagnostic on [the issue], ask you a few questions so I understand everything going on, take a look at the system, and then I'll sit down with you and walk you through everything I find — including options and pricing — before we do anything. Sound good?"

✅ This one sentence eliminates "surprise" pricing objections later.
✅ Gets a YES from them early — starts the yes-momentum.
3
Discovery Questions
Ask before you assume. The info you pull here fuels your entire presentation. Click for the questions →
Open with: "Tell me what's been going on — when did you first notice the problem?"

Then layer in:
"How long has this been an issue?"
"Has anyone looked at this before?"
"What's most important to you — getting it fixed today, keeping cost down, or making sure it lasts?"
"Are you planning to stay in the home long-term?"

✅ Listen 70%, talk 30%. Take notes visibly — it shows you care.
✅ Use their exact words in your presentation later.
4
The Diagnostic / Inspection
Do a thorough job and narrate as you go. They buy confidence, not just repairs. Click for language →
"I'm going to take a full look at everything — not just the problem you called about, but the whole system. You deserve to know the full picture."

While inspecting: "Do you hear that? That's [explain what it means]."
"I'm seeing some wear here — I'll show you what I mean in a second."

✅ Take photos of everything you find.
✅ Never diagnose out loud until you're ready to present options.
✅ If they follow you around, that's buying energy — keep talking.
5
The Kitchen Table Presentation
Sit down with them. Side-by-side, not across. Present Good / Better / Best options. Click for structure →
"Alright, let me show you what I found and walk you through your options."

Structure your options:
Option 1 — The Minimum Fix (address immediate problem only)
Option 2 — The Smart Fix (fixes root cause + 1-2 add-ons)
Option 3 — The Complete Solution (full system health + warranty + peace of mind)

"Most of my customers in your situation go with Option 2 or 3 — here's why..."

✅ Always present all 3. Let them feel in control of the choice.
✅ Anchor high — they'll land in the middle.
✅ Show the photos you took during inspection.
6
Handling Hesitation & The Close
Silence is your friend. Ask and wait. Don't negotiate against yourself. Click for closes →
After presenting: "So based on what you told me — [their words] — I'd recommend Option [X]. Which direction would you like to go?"

Then STOP. Do not speak first. 10 seconds of silence is normal.

If hesitant: "What's holding you back? Is it the timing or the investment?"

✅ Never discount first — ask what the concern is.
✅ If price: offer financing or break it into a monthly payment context.
✅ If thinking about it: "What information would help you feel comfortable deciding today?"
7
The Wrap-Up & Referral Ask
Plant seeds for reviews and referrals every single call, sold or unsold. Click for language →
After completing work: "[Name], really appreciate letting me take care of this for you today. Quick question — do you know anyone else, a neighbor or family member, who could use someone they can trust for [plumbing/HVAC/electrical]? We do great work and I'd love to help them out."

For reviews: "One small favor — if you felt like I did a good job today, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It takes about a minute and it helps our team more than you know."

✅ Ask on every call — even when nothing sold.
✅ Send review link by text before you leave the driveway.
BODY LANGUAGE RULES
Non-verbal communication is 60% of the sale
👀
Eye Contact
Hold it when speaking, break it briefly when listening. Never look away when they're objecting — that reads as guilt.
🪑
Sit Down to Sell
Never present standing up. Sitting signals you're not rushing. Ask: "Can we sit down for a second? I want to make sure I explain this clearly."
📱
Phone Away
Phone face-down or in your pocket the entire call. One glance at your phone tells them you're not fully there.
🤲
Open Palms
Keep hands visible when explaining. Crossed arms or hidden hands read as deception or nervousness. Open posture = trustworthy.
MINDSET BEFORE YOU KNOCK
What you believe walking in determines the outcome
🔥
You Are the Expert
They called you because they can't do this themselves. Walk in as the authority. Confident people create comfort.
🎯
Every Call Can Close
Never pre-qualify or prejudge. The house that looks broke might be the biggest job you run this week. Everyone gets your best presentation.
🙏
You're Solving, Not Selling
Reframe every call as: "I'm here to solve a problem for this family." That energy translates. People can feel the difference between someone who cares and someone who's working a script.
💪
Rejection is Data
A no today isn't a no forever. Every objection you log teaches you to close better tomorrow. The reps who win long-term learn from every call.

OBJECTION HANDLERS

An objection is a question in disguise. When a customer objects, they're not saying no — they're saying "help me feel safe saying yes." Click any card to expand the full response framework.

🧠 The ARC Framework

Acknowledge the concern — Reframe it — Close again. Never argue, never panic. Validate, redirect, ask again.

💰
"That's too expensive"
+
All Trades
Step 1 — Acknowledge
"I completely understand — it's a significant investment, and I wouldn't expect you to just hand over that kind of money without fully understanding what you're getting."
Step 2 — Reframe the Cost
"Let me break this down for you. You're looking at roughly [$/month] over 12 months. For a system that's [lasting 15+ years / protecting your family / working every day], that's about the cost of one dinner out a month. Does that feel more manageable?"
Step 3 — Dig Deeper
"Help me understand — is it the total number, or is it more about the timing today? Because we do have financing options that could get your monthly payment to something that works for you."
🕐
"I need to get other quotes"
+
All Trades
Acknowledge + Separate from Price
"That makes total sense — you should feel confident you're making the right decision. Let me ask you something though: if you got another quote that was similar in price and quality, what would make you choose us?"
The Cost of Waiting
"The only thing I'd mention is that [a leaking pipe / a failing unit / a tripped breaker] doesn't get better while you wait. Every day this goes without being fixed, you're risking [flooding / further damage / a safety hazard]. I want to make sure you're protected."
The Guarantee Angle
"I'll tell you what — if you get a quote that's genuinely apples-to-apples with the same warranty and same quality of work, bring it back to me and I'll do everything I can for you. Fair?"
👫
"I need to talk to my spouse"
+
All Trades
Never Fight It — Join It
"Of course! Big decisions like this, you want to be on the same page. I totally respect that. Is there any chance we could call them real quick right now? I'd love to walk them through it with you — that way you both have the full picture and neither of you is trying to explain plumbing over the phone."
If They Can't Call
"No problem. What's the best way for me to make this easy for you both? I can leave everything in writing, or even send a quick video walkthrough to your phone so you can show them exactly what I showed you. What would help most?"
🤔
"I'll just think about it"
+
All Trades
Find the Real Objection
"Of course, and I want you to feel good about this. Help me understand — is it more about the money, the timing, or is there something I didn't explain clearly? Because if there's a concern I haven't addressed, I'd rather we talk it through now."
Create Gentle Urgency
"The reason I want to get this done for you today is [explain the real urgency — safety, further damage, limited part availability, price lock]. I'm not trying to pressure you — I just want to make sure you're taken care of before something worse happens."
🏠
"The house is old / we're selling it"
+
All Trades
The Seller Angle
"That's actually even more reason to get this handled now. When inspectors find issues like this during escrow, buyers use it to negotiate $3-5x the actual repair cost off the sale price. A $400 fix now could save you $1,500 in lost negotiating power. Doesn't that make sense to handle today?"
The Safety / Liability Angle
"Also — until that house closes, it's still your responsibility. If something fails and causes damage before the sale, that's on you. Let's protect you on both ends."
🔧
"My buddy can fix it for free"
+
Plumbing Electrical
Don't Trash the Friend — Raise the Stakes
"That's great that you have someone! My only question is — is your friend licensed and insured? Because if something goes wrong with an unlicensed repair and your homeowner's insurance finds out, they can deny your claim. That one free fix could cost you your entire coverage."
The DIY Risk Close
"We stand behind every job with a warranty and we pull the proper permits when needed. If your buddy does it and something goes wrong six months from now, who's responsible? I just want to make sure you're covered."
📊
"I saw it cheaper online"
+
All Trades
Price vs. Total Cost
"Online prices are usually just the part — no labor, no diagnostic, no warranty, no one who shows up if it fails again. What you're actually paying for is the guarantee that it gets done right the first time, and someone who answers the phone if it doesn't. That's worth something, right?"
📞
"I already have a regular guy"
+
All Trades
Respect + Plant a Seed
"That's great — loyalty matters. I'm not asking you to switch. I just want to make sure you're taken care of today while I'm here. If your regular guy was available, you'd have called him, right? Let's get this handled for you now."
Build for the Future
"And if I do a great job today, maybe I'll earn the chance to be your backup. That's all I'm asking for."
🧾
"That's too much for just [small job]"
+
All Trades
Break Down the Value
"I hear you — I get that question a lot. Here's what that number actually covers: my drive time, the diagnostic, the part, the labor, the warranty, and the fact that I'm licensed and insured. If anything's not right after I leave, you call and I come back. You're not just paying for a part — you're paying for a guarantee."
❄️
"It's working fine right now"
+
HVAC Plumbing
The Ticking Clock
"I'm glad it's working. What I'm seeing though tells me it's working harder than it should be — and systems like this tend to fail at the worst possible time. Middle of July, 105 degrees, and your AC goes out on a Friday night. A $200 fix now versus an emergency weekend call at $900 — which would you rather deal with?"

BUILDING TRUST

People don't buy from companies — they buy from people they trust. Here's how to build it fast, every single call.

TRUST BUILDERS
Do these on every call
📸
Show Them the Problem
Never just tell them what's wrong — show them photos or bring them to see it themselves. Seeing is believing. "Let me show you what I found..."
"Come take a look at this with me — I want you to see exactly what I'm seeing."
🎓
Educate, Don't Intimidate
Explain what you're doing and why in plain English. The more they understand, the more they trust you. Confused customers don't buy.
"What's happening here is basically like [simple analogy]. Your [part] is doing [X], and when that happens, it causes [Y]. Make sense?"
🪪
Lead with Credentials
Mention your license, certifications, years of experience, and company backing early. People want to know you're the real deal.
"I've been doing this for [X] years and I'm fully licensed and insured — you're in good hands."
💯
Use Social Proof
Reference other customers in the area, your Google ratings, or specific jobs you've done nearby. Local proof closes.
"I actually just did a job similar to this a few streets over — they were super happy with how it turned out."
🛡️
Stand Behind Your Work
Lead with your warranty before they ask. Unsolicited guarantees eliminate fear. It shows you're confident in your work.
"Everything I do comes with our [X]-year parts and labor warranty. If anything's not right, you call me and I fix it. Period."
🙉
Listen First
Let them finish every sentence. Don't interrupt. When they feel heard, they feel valued. Ask follow-up questions about what they said.
"Tell me more about that — when did you first notice it was happening?"
TRUST KILLERS
Never do these — they silently kill deals
Badmouthing Competitors
Even if the competitor did bad work, trashing them makes YOU look insecure. Instead: "I can only speak to what I'm seeing and what I can guarantee."
Rushing the Call
Looking at your phone, glancing at your watch, or moving fast signals you don't care about them — you care about the next call. Slow down.
Surprising Them with Price
Never drop a number without context. Always walk through the problem, show proof, then present options. Surprise pricing = immediate distrust.
Using Jargon
Saying "your heat exchanger's cracked" or "the TXV valve is stuck" without explaining it makes them feel stupid and suspicious. Translate everything.
Being Uncertain
"I think it might be..." or "It could possibly be..." sounds like guessing. Even if you're diagnosing, project calm confidence. "Based on what I'm seeing, here's what's happening."
Not Offering Options
Giving customers one price with no choices makes them feel trapped. Options = control. Control = comfort. Comfort = closed jobs.
THE LIKABILITY FORMULA
People buy from people they like. Here's how to be likable on every call.
01
USE THEIR NAME
People's names are the sweetest sound to them. Use it 3-4x naturally throughout the call. "So [Name], here's what I'm thinking..."
02
FIND COMMON GROUND
Notice things in their home. Sports teams, family photos, hobbies. A 2-minute genuine conversation builds more rapport than any sales technique.
03
MATCH THEIR ENERGY
If they're quiet and reserved, slow down. If they're warm and chatty, open up. Mirroring pace and tone creates unconscious trust.

CLOSING TECHNIQUES

The close isn't manipulation — it's helping a decision-ready customer take the next step. You've earned the right to ask. Here's how to ask right.

🔑 Close Rule #1

After presenting your recommendation, ask ONE clear closing question — then go completely silent. The first person who speaks loses the negotiation. Train yourself to be comfortable with silence.

01
The Assumptive Close
Best for: Warm Customers

Act as if the decision has already been made. Move into the "how" instead of the "if." This works best when the customer is nodding, agreeable, and engaged throughout your presentation.

"Alright, so let's get you taken care of today. I'll go grab my parts and we'll get started — did you want to pay by card or check?"

"Great — let me get the paperwork going and I'll have this done within the hour."
02
The Summary Close
Best for: Overthinkers

Summarize everything they told you they wanted, then tie your solution directly to those wants. Uses their own words as the close.

"So you told me reliability was the biggest thing, you want this done right the first time, and you don't want to deal with this again. Option 2 gets you all three of those — the quality fix, the warranty, and the peace of mind. Based on that, this makes the most sense for you, right?"
03
The Either / Or Close
Best for: Indecisive Customers

Give them two options — both of which result in a yes. Eliminates the "maybe" by making both outcomes yours. Keep the options specific and limited.

"Would you like to move forward with Option 2 today, or would the complete system solution in Option 3 feel better for the long term?"

"Would it be easier to handle everything today while I'm here, or would you want to start with just the main fix and schedule the second part for next week?"
04
The Urgency Close
Best for: "I'll wait" Customers

Create genuine, truthful urgency around delay. Never fabricate urgency — use real consequences of waiting. This must be authentic or it backfires.

"The only thing I want you to know is that this type of issue tends to escalate. Right now it's a [small leak / worn belt / loose connection]. If it fails completely, you're looking at [water damage / emergency replacement / a fire hazard]. I'd hate for you to spend $200 now and not take care of it, only to need a $2,000 call next month."
05
The Feel, Felt, Found Close
Best for: Price Objections

Classic empathy bridge. Validates their concern, normalizes it, then resolves it with a story. Never skip the "Found" — that's the close.

"I understand how you feel — a lot of my customers have felt the same way when they first heard the number. What they found though, after getting it taken care of, is that the peace of mind was worth every penny — and they were glad they didn't wait. That's what I want for you too."
06
The Takeaway Close
Best for: Resistant Customers

Counterintuitive but powerful — when someone keeps pushing back, pull back. Makes them chase. Use sparingly and only when other approaches haven't worked.

"You know what, I don't want to push you into anything you're not ready for. If now's not the right time, I totally get it. I'll leave my card and you can reach out when the timing is better. The only thing I'd say is the issue won't get better on its own — so when you're ready, don't wait too long."
07
The Financing Close
Best for: Price-Sensitive Customers

Reframe a large number as a small monthly investment. Most people make decisions based on monthly cash flow, not total cost. Lead with the monthly number.

"Here's the thing — we have financing available that gets this down to about [$/month]. For [your comfort all summer / water you can actually trust / lights that work safely], that's less than most people spend at Starbucks in a month. We can get you approved right here — want me to run through the quick application?"
08
The "What Would It Take" Close
Best for: Stuck Calls

When you're genuinely stuck, ask the customer to tell you what they need to move forward. Hands them control, gets the real objection out, and often closes itself.

"I want to earn your business today. What would it take for you to feel good about moving forward right now?"

Then listen completely. Do not speak until they're done. Whatever they say is your roadmap to the close.

TRADE-SPECIFIC SCRIPTS

Every trade has its own language, fears, and hot buttons. Know yours cold.

PLUMBING — KEY FEAR TRIGGERS
What homeowners are actually afraid of
🌊
Water Damage
Mold, structural damage, insurance headaches. Reference these real consequences when pushing urgency on any active leak.
💧
Water Quality
Especially with children or elderly in the home. "What's coming out of your tap right now" hits harder than any technical explanation.
🏠
Home Value
Plumbing issues tank inspection reports. Reframe repairs as protecting — and increasing — their investment.
PLUMBING POWER SCRIPTS
💧
Water Heater Replacement
When the unit is old or failing — escalating to replacement. Click to expand.
"Your water heater is [age] years old. The average lifespan is 8-12 years, and yours is past that. What typically happens is the tank starts to corrode from the inside — you can't see it, but it's happening. When it goes, it usually goes all at once — and it floods your [garage/utility room/basement]. We've seen it cost families $10,000+ in water damage."

"I can repair what you called about, but I want to be honest with you: you'd be putting money into a unit that's on borrowed time. For [X] more, we can put in a brand new unit with a [6-year] warranty and you won't have to think about this again for a decade. What makes more sense to you long-term?"
🚿
Drain / Sewer Issue Upsell
Moving from a drain snake to a camera inspection and full clear. Click to expand.
"I can run the snake and clear it today — but here's my concern. Recurring clogs like this usually mean there's something deeper going on: root intrusion, pipe collapse, or serious buildup we can't see from here. Without a camera, I'm guessing, and you might be calling us back in 3 months with the same problem."

"For [X], I can run the camera, show you exactly what's happening down there, and give you a real diagnosis — not just a temporary fix. Then you can decide what makes sense. Want to do this right?"
🔴
Active Leak Urgency
Closing on urgency when there's an active or recent leak. Click to expand.
"Every hour this is running, water is getting into places you can't see — behind walls, under floors. Mold can start growing within 24-48 hours. I know the number feels high right now, but a mold remediation job starts at $3,000-$5,000 and goes way up from there. This is the most important call you make today."
HVAC — KEY FEAR TRIGGERS
What homeowners are actually afraid of
🥵
Comfort & Safety
Heat or cold during extreme weather. Vulnerable people — elderly parents, young kids, pets. Make it personal and immediate.
💸
Energy Bills
A failing system runs harder and costs more. Show them efficiency — "you're probably spending $50-100/month MORE than you should be right now."
🛌
Air Quality
Allergies, dust, VOCs. "What you're breathing inside your home is actually more polluted than outside air in most houses." Leads naturally to filtration upsells.
HVAC POWER SCRIPTS
❄️
System Replacement Conversation
Moving from repair to replacement when the unit is aging. Click to expand.
"Here's the honest conversation nobody wants to have: this repair today costs [X]. Your unit is [age] years old and at this stage it's going to start needing attention every season. You're going to spend [X] today, and probably [X] again next summer, and so on — for a system that's just getting older."

"A new system is [Y]. It comes with a [10-year] warranty, it'll cut your energy bill by [20-30%], and you won't be calling us again for a decade. When you run the math, it actually makes more sense. Want to see the numbers side by side?"
🌬️
Tune-Up to Repair Transition
When a tune-up reveals a bigger issue. Click to expand.
"So I finished the tune-up and I want to show you something I found. [Show photo]. This [capacitor / coil / blower motor] is failing. Right now it's limping along, but units like this tend to go completely when you need them most — like the first 100-degree day of summer."

"While I'm here and the system is already open, I can take care of this right now for [X]. If you wait and it fails on a weekend or holiday, you're looking at emergency rates on top of the repair. Can I get that taken care of for you today?"
ELECTRICAL — KEY FEAR TRIGGERS
What homeowners are actually afraid of
🔥
Fire Risk
Electrical fires are the #1 residential fire cause. This is the single most powerful fear-based close in electrical sales. Use it honestly and early.
🏠
Insurance & Code
Unpermitted or non-code work voids insurance policies. Homeowners don't always know this — educating them builds credibility AND urgency.
👨‍👩‍👧
Family Safety
Make it about the people in the house. "Your kids are plugging things in right next to an outlet that isn't grounded correctly" — specific and personal.
ELECTRICAL POWER SCRIPTS
Panel Upgrade Presentation
Presenting a panel upgrade with safety and future-proofing angles. Click to expand.
"Your panel is a [brand/age]. These were recalled and are known to cause fires — insurance companies have started flagging them on home inspections. If you ever go to sell, this is going to come up, and it's going to be a problem."

"A new 200-amp panel future-proofs your home for EVs, solar, any new appliances you want to add. And more importantly, it protects your family tonight. This is one of those things where waiting just isn't worth the risk."
🔌
Outlet / Wiring Issue to Full Inspection
Escalating from a single outlet fix to a whole-home safety inspection. Click to expand.
"I can replace this outlet for you — no problem. Here's what I'd also like to do while I'm here: let me do a quick safety walkthrough of the panel and a few other key areas. There's no charge for that, and if everything looks good, I'll tell you so and be on my way. But if there's something that could hurt your family, you deserve to know about it today. Sound fair?"

POWER PHRASES

The right words at the right moment. Click any card to copy it to your clipboard.

Opening the Call
"Here's what I'd like to do today — let me take a full look, walk you through what I find, and then we'll look at options together before I do anything. Sound good?"
Building Urgency
"I'm not trying to alarm you, but this is the kind of thing that tends to get worse, not better. I'd hate for a $300 fix to turn into a $3,000 problem."
Presenting Price
"So here's what I'm looking at for you today. I've put together a few options depending on what makes the most sense for your situation..."
After the Price Drop
"Which direction feels right for you?" [Then silence — wait for them to speak first.]
When They Hesitate
"What's your main concern — is it the timing, or is it the investment? Because I might be able to help with either one."
Handling "Too Expensive"
"I hear you. Let me break this down differently — what you're really paying for is [outcome + guarantee], not just a repair. Does that context help?"
Financing Bridge
"We do have flexible financing — we can get this down to about [$/month]. Would that make this more workable for you today?"
Spouse Objection
"Absolutely — is there any way we could give them a quick call right now? I'd love to walk you both through it together so neither of you is left guessing."
Getting Other Quotes
"That totally makes sense. When you do compare, make sure you're comparing the same warranty and quality of work — not just the price on paper."
Closing on Urgency
"The only reason I want to handle this today is because I don't want this to become an emergency call at 2am. Let's protect you now while it's still the easy fix."
Discovery Question
"What's most important to you — getting this done fast, keeping the cost down, or making sure it lasts? That'll help me point you to the right option."
Using Their Words
"You mentioned [their exact words] — that's exactly why I think Option [X] makes the most sense for you. It directly addresses that."
Referral Ask
"Do you know anyone — neighbor, family, friend — who could use someone they can trust for [trade]? I'd love the chance to help them the same way I helped you today."
Review Ask
"If you felt like I took care of you today, would you mind leaving us a quick Google review? It takes about a minute and it means the world to our team."
Selling the Warranty
"Everything I do is backed by our [X]-year warranty. If anything's not right, you call me and I fix it — no questions, no runaround. That's the Action guarantee."
Feel Felt Found
"I understand how you feel — a lot of my customers felt the same way. What they found, after getting it handled, is that the peace of mind was completely worth it."

AI ROLEPLAY TRAINER

Practice against a live AI customer. Get a full scorecard after every session. Your sessions save to your profile so your manager can coach from real data.

YOUR PROGRESSION
Score 7+ to unlock the next difficulty level
SETUP YOUR SCENARIO
Configure the training situation before you start
Trade
Scenario
Difficulty
SESSION HISTORY
Your last 10 training sessions
No sessions yet — complete a roleplay to start your history.

DAILY DRILL

5 objections. 3 minutes. Do this every morning before your first call. Fast reps build muscle memory.

MORNING DRILL
You'll get 5 random objections. Type your best response. AI scores each one instantly.
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