D2D glossary / Security, fiber, pest and energy terms

What is an initial service in pest control sales?

Initial service: The initial service is the first pest control treatment after a customer signs, usually within a day or two. In summer sales, an account generally counts for pay only once that first service is done.

Pest control is sold as a recurring plan: a larger first treatment, then regular visits, often quarterly, for the length of the agreement. Speed matters. The sooner a technician completes the initial service, the less time the customer has to reconsider.

For the rep, a signed agreement is not yet a counted account. Customers who cancel before the first service, or who cannot be reached to schedule it, usually pay nothing. Selling a service time the customer can actually keep is part of the sale.

Ask before you sign

How soon after a sale is the initial service done, and what happens to my pay if it is missed?

Related terms

Read next

Initial service: quick answers

What is an initial service in pest control sales?

The initial service is the first pest control treatment after a customer signs, usually within a day or two. In summer sales, an account generally counts for pay only once that first service is done.

What should I ask a company about the initial service?

Ask this before you sign: "How soon after a sale is the initial service done, and what happens to my pay if it is missed?" Get the answer in writing, in the rep agreement or the pay plan.

More terms: security, fiber, pest and energy terms

One application. Every industry.

Tell us where you are, what you have done, and which industries you want. We review every application and match you with companies hiring in your industries and markets.

Apply now