I've had a lot of good talkers, resumes look great, interview is great, but they end up sucking. I've gone to a new method of interviewing a salesman. You think you can sell, PROVE IT!
I'll give them a couple pieces of junk like an old Vicon 12" Dome housing bubble a 14" Pelco CRT Monitor, A bunch of cassette auto tapes... If they come back with money in their pocket and tell me how they created a value proposition on what most would consider garbage, interview is basically over. I do similar interviews with other types of jobs within my company. I've had several people timid and most honestly fail. It's been amazing to see the difference in quality and performance of my staff.
I'm curious for those that own companies or manage sales guys, how did you find your best?
Also, I'm selling this hat that could save your life, yet still lets you show off your new hair cut.