Sales Commission

[JohnAnthny]

I figured Id drop in and talk about my commission only job of 4.5 yrs selling tools over the phone.

High Turnover job. They started me at I think $10.50/hr or 10% which ever is greater. Did this about first month. Then I went to I think (its been a while now) to $7.50/hr + 10%. Did this for about a month or so. The idea with this company is to 'wheen' you off hourly and be straight commission writing your own check. So rather than go to the next phase of like $5.50 + 15%, I decided I wanted straight 20% of total sales each week.

I was making 20% for a while with overs. (i kept half of evrything i sold over book price) After a while when i was writing over $15,000 evryt month i was getting 25% with overs. After breaking through $20,000 month i went to 30% with overs. I then fluctuated between 25%-30% with overs.


**Sometimes select items were on 50% commision. Sell it for that price and you get 50% in your pocket.


I started there when i was 21.

First 6mos. - appx. $10,000
1st full year - appx $35,000
2nd year - $47,000
3rd year - $44,000
4th year - $35,000


Im now 26 and left that job almost a year ago and now laid off. Its a family business (does prob. 8-10mill yr) the hours are great. Perhaps I was too young and immature to handle everything but after 4.5yrs i was feeling burnt. I know that my orginizational abilities at the job were far behind my ability to act on the phone. With better sense of organizing prospects and dealing with people in the office better. ( i think now with more experience/age/confidence i wouldnt let that affect me)

I got in good with the company and expected to be making $100,000+ yr easy by now like some others. Sometimes i regret my actions and decision to leave but sometimes i discover its not my true passion. I guess it stings a little more when i look for potential jobs and they are sales jobs. Just feels im moving backward. I think if i open my mind i will find as good or better and more suitable money making oppurtunities. You got to be optimistic.



Thats my story. Thanks.

[nburge]

I guess it stings a little more when i look for potential jobs and they are sales jobs. Just feels im moving backward.

I know this feeling. I worked as a broker for ages, and when I left all I could find was sales jobs or broking jobs. I hated broking, so went into sales. It felt like I'd stepped backwards, in expected income at least, and I looked for management responsibility/opportunity to get forwards again. My new job sucked too - it was all pressure selling - high volume, low value stuff.

From my experience I'd advise you to find a sales role where the value is higher and the sales cycles longer because the role becomes more interesting. You aren't pressuring people into buying something, you're working with them to understand their needs and create a proposal that both of you benefit from. It's a refreshing approach and makes you enjoy life a lot more. My salary is ~30% higher than it was in my previous role, and in one deal I earned more bonus than I had the whole previous year. It isn't easy, and you'll need to work on the organisational skills and have strong motivation to keep you through the first ~6 months where you earn no commission (maybe more in real long term deals) but I'm sure you'd enjoy the role a lot more. It sounds as though you have an aptitude for selling so it would be a shame to waste a talent.

Otherwise, if you're serious about finding a job in another sector, think about where you have particular skills and what you would enjoy doing. Don't just jump at any new job offer in a paper (I did, and it's a waste of time). Try to understand what value you bring to an organisation and take a step back in salary if it means a step up in the things you enjoy..... good luck!

[JohnAnthny]

Try to understand what value you bring to an organisation and take a step back in salary if it means a step up in the things you enjoy..... good luck!

Thanks nburge. Thats great advice, Thank You.

[nburge]

No problem dude - if you have any questions or need a sounding board for advice please feel free to drop me a line. I spent 5 years working in broking and hated every minute of it. I spent 10 months trying to find just about any other job I could. I must have applied for 500 roles in tens of sectors, always trying to chase a salary that I'd become accustomed to. If you're serious about changing sector or career be prepared to take a pay hit to do it. Also make sure you know what that sector is all about and why it is you'd be good for it.

After the ten months of chasing I made my way into sales (as they were the only jobs I could get that weren't broking, to be honest) but ended up hating that just as much - I'd rushed into a job because it was "anything but broking" and hadn't done my homework on the company or sector. I got lucky and found my way into my current role, which is much more consultative and relaxed.

I hate seeing people do jobs they don't enjoy and don't feel comfortable in. I don't know whether it's possible for everyone to love their job, some of us just have to suck it up to pay bills, look after family etc etc. But there are definitely jobs that some people are better suited to and enjoy more than others, so keep trying until you find the right one. It makes a MASSIVE difference to your state of mind and your general wellbeing. Could make a big difference to your wallet too - typically people are better at things they enjoy.

Good luck!