The Devil and The Sales Rep

While walking down the street one day, a Sales Representative was tragically hit by a truck and died. His soul arrived in heaven and was met by St. Peter at the entrance. "Welcome to Heaven," said St. Peter. "Before you settle in, it seems there is a problem. We seldom see a Sales Representative around these parts, you see, so we're not sure what to do with you."

“No problem, just let me in," says the Sales Representative.

“Well, I'd like to but I have orders from higher up. What we'll do is have you spend one day in Hell and one in Heaven. Then you can choose where to spend eternity."

"Really, I've made up my mind. I want to be in Heaven," says the Sales Representative.

"I'm sorry but we have our rules."

And with that, St. Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell. The doors open and he finds himself in the middle of a green golf course. In the distance is a club and standing in front of it are all his friends and other Sales Representatives who had worked with him. Everyone is very happy and in evening dress. They run to greet him, hug him, and reminisce about the good times they had while getting rich at expense of the people. They play a friendly game of golf and then dine on lobster and caviar. Also present is the Devil who really is a very friendly guy who has a good time dancing and telling jokes. They are having such a good time that before he realizes it, it is time to go. Everyone gives him a big hug and waves while the elevator rises.

The elevator goes up, up, up and the door reopens on Heaven where St. Peter is waiting for him. "Now it's time to visit Heaven.

So 24 hours pass with the Sales Representative joining a group of contented souls moving from cloud to cloud, playing the harp and singing. They have a good time and before he realizes it the 24 hours have gone by and St. Peter returns.

"Well then, you've spent a day in Hell and another in Heaven. Now choose your eternity." The Sales Representative reflects for a minute, then answers: "Well, I would never have said it, I mean Heaven has been delightful, but I think I would be better off in Hell." So Saint Peter escorts him to the elevator and he goes down, down, down to Hell.

Now the doors of the elevator open and he is in the middle of a barren land covered with waste and garbage. He sees all his friends, dressed in rags, picking up trash and putting it in black bags. The Devil comes over to him and grins menacingly.

"I don't understand," stammers the Sales Representative. “Yesterday I was here and there was a golf course and clubhouse and we ate lobster and caviar and danced and had a great time. Now all there is a wasteland full of garbage and my friends look miserable."

The Devil looks at him, smiles and says, "Yesterday was the presentation. Today you signed the contract!"

Download this article