Doing SW dev forever, but one of my clients is using me for a sales engineer. The sales guy pretty much gives them my contact info and we discuss the product on a very technical level with a new customer. Even do some aftersales, so may have to create small apps or do integration.

I was talking to one of the other salesmen, they make VERY good money. Then he said with your skills and communication I would be extremely valuable and likely a top earner. He said there are always technical questions(and discussing their personal tech situations) and then the customer has to wait for answers, and that is not always good. Also looks very good for the company and product if someone very knowledgeable is their first contact. He said lots sells thru the web now, but there is also cold calling and making contacts.

He said he is surprised I am not getting commission even for what I do. He said without your help, they would probably not buy the product.

Downside- I am not really a people person and had a startup years ago, I used to freeze up on the phone trying to sell the product (not that bad anymore, but not my greatest strength). I also read on Reddit people do very well in Software Sales, but they may have a different personality.

I am wondering if this is a progression for an experienced dev.