Replacement windows are a hot commodity for homeowners looking to upgrade their houses and save money on utility costs. By hooking up with the right company and building a clientele, you can make a lucrative income selling windows. Replacement window salespeople must enjoy working with people and be willing to work nights and weekends, visiting people in their homes.

Work directly for a retailer such as Sears or a reseller of Andersen Windows. You can learn the ropes and decide if you want to make any investments in a business of your own. Most sales positions are commission-based so there are no educational requirements to get an entry-level sales position.

Purchase a license from a window manufacturer. This allows you to sell a brand as an outside representative and receive deep discounts to cover your expenses and provide profit on every sale. Companies such as Clean Choice USA offer licensees a protected territory and opportunities to expand.

Find a well-respected name brand that you can confidently sell to anyone. If you would use the product in your own home, or sell it to your mother, then you'll be able to represent the manufacturer with enthusiasm and close sales. It's always easier to sell a product that you believe in. Your customers will come to trust your brand as well, and provide you with repeat and referral business.

Look for a manufacturer that will provide training in addition to the products. You need to be able to go into homes and measure accurately to give the correct estimates. The more of this part of the job you can do yourself, the more of the commissions you can keep. Learn how to provide customers with an energy audit to show them where they are losing heat and air through their windows.

Buy a franchise such as Northpoint Exteriors or Window World to get a head start in a business with a brand identity, proven business plan and corporate support. Franchisors advise you on every aspect of the business and will show you how to measure the windows as well as how to hire the installers. They typically sell proprietary products, which they supply to you at a discount.