Advice about Sales Rep with commission jobs

My DH may have an opportunity for a sales rep position that would have a base salary plus commission.
Right now he owns his own business.. and although it pays the bills (barely though; we live in the Hamptons) ..he's just not happy doing it anymore and it takes a toll because it's a 24/7 job that just isn't worth it.
I would love to hear any advice, thoughts, or any questions that I should look into.
TIA!

Re: Advice about Sales Rep with commission jobs

DH works for a big wireless provider and is on comission with a decent salary.

he works hard at it but it works. he does well and the salary would be enough to pay the bills if necessary.

The other thing to think about is that if he does not generate commission, they won't keep him on too long.

Please let me know if you have any other questions.

Re: Advice about Sales Rep with commission jobs

My DH works in the food distribution field & works on commission & salary. In his company, after a time period, they go on clip-down (based on how well they are doing). This minimizes his base salary.

He works extremely hard & with the industry he is in, there are times he has to work late nights & over weekends. With that said, he makes exceptional money. His base salary is enough for us to live on & his commissions are added bonuses for us.

I think it also depends on your DH's work habits. My DH is a work-maniac & is constantly putting on new business. If your DH does not put on enough business though, they will look to terminate him.

Hope this helps & if you need anything, ask away

Message edited 10/16/2007 3:02:43 PM.

Re: Advice about Sales Rep with commission jobs

I recently started my own business while working in High Finance (full time - salary based.)

Because my business launched off and requires more attention from me, I've left high Finance and started a sales-type of job. However, I was able to negotiate my base salary where God-forbid I wasn't pulling in commission, that we'd be okay.

To be honest, if I didn't know the owner of the firm I'm working for now, I would never accept a commission based position - especially if I didn't have my own business to fall back on.

Re: Advice about Sales Rep with commission jobs

My DH works in sales and just left his old job b/c the base salary was low and he wasn't making much on commissions anymore - he was there 5 years.

In my experience budgeting a household with commission, I can tell you it's not always easy. Some months are good and some are bad. If you can live on the base salary alone, you will be better off. But I know that's not always an option. It definitely takes work. My DH had a few bad months and his company put him on probation. If you don't produce in sales, they get rid of you. That's when he decided to leave. These types of jobs can have a very high turn over rate. BUT there is definitely $$ to be had. With the industry that my DH is in, it takes a few months to get business lined up so that may be something to consider if that's the same with your DH's job. Overall, it can be stressful (for you and him) but if you budget your money right, it can definitely work. Good luck!
ETA: Wanted to add some extras that sales companies sometimes offer: company car or reimbursement for mileage (if not offered, definitely claim on your taxes), cell phone reimbursement, company laptop

Message edited 10/16/2007 4:25:41 PM.

Re: Advice about Sales Rep with commission jobs

My DH makes commission only- and personally- I hate it

even if he made a small salary it would help- just knowing what we would have coming in for the month

it can be very stressful- bc like everyone else has said- the comission isn't just a "bonus" the company is counting on him brining in business- and it's never as easy as it sounds

Re: Advice about Sales Rep with commission jobs

Everyone is different but for me, a commission-based job would frighten me...unless the base on its own is enough to pay the bills. I'm a nervous person though.

Re: Advice about Sales Rep with commission jobs

I am on salary and commission. You do have to be pretty motivated, which might be OK for him if he owns his own business--what is he planning on doing with the business? Can he keep it on the side? My salary is pretty generous but I have a lot of experience and had a position in which to negotiate from. They may try to lowball him if he doesn't have sales experience.