A Bad Day for Sales is a science fiction short story written by Fritz Leiber and published in 1953. The story follows the misadventures of Joe, a robot salesman who becomes stranded on a remote planet after his spaceship crashes. As he attempts to make his way back to civilization, Joe encounters various obstacles and challenges that test his resilience and resourcefulness. Along the way, he meets a variety of colorful characters, including a group of alien traders who offer him shelter and assistance. Despite numerous setbacks and near-disasters, Joe ultimately manages to find his way back home, having learned valuable lessons about perseverance, adaptability, and the importance of human connection.
By Fritz Leiber · First published 1953 · Genre: Science Fiction, Dystopian, Satire