i need help on how to ask for a raise :)

hi girls i need your help
little background. i work for a private business family owned. i have been there 3 years and its commission based.
i asked for a raise about a year ago and was told the economy is terrible blah blah and "we will talk about it later "

well its been a year since then.
when i came to this job i took a 10% paycut(less commission) bc i was new and was told we could talk about raises in the future if things work out.

well i think they did work out but still they wont compensate.

i TRULY do not want to leave...but i would realllllllly like to at least be back to my comission i made over 3 years ago.

how do i do this? how you do you respond when they say the timing isnt right ( but um ....it neverrrr is)

never taught how to do this and would like some feedback or helpful hints! and also how to word things would be greatly appreciated!

Re: i need help on how to ask for a raise :)

You may have to get another job and tell them you are leaving and see if they counter.

If biz is bad they may not be able to do that.

I'm sorry you are in this spot. Family businesses are rough.

Re: i need help on how to ask for a raise :)

I have experience working for small independent practices and I have found that the best way to ask for a raise is to lead with ways you've either made the company money or saved the company money. Or talk about how you've reached or exceeded the goals they set for you. I worked for a small independent practice for 8 yrs with small raises here and there that I always had to ask for. In the end, I was exceeding my goals, but the practice as a whole was not generating enough money to keep me, so I moved on. You may have to prepare yourself for that. It's not easy, but be confident in yourself. Good luck!

Re: i need help on how to ask for a raise :)

I have to agree with the other ladies.

It's very hard for small businesses especially to give raises.

I personally have had to move from both small and large companies in order to get a raise.

Re: i need help on how to ask for a raise :)

thanks ladies.

great advice!

i think over the next couple months i am going to keep better books/track of the income i bring in. this is a slow season right now...so i am thinking the best time to approach them is in the fall.

btw do you just ask for a raise or give a very specific amount you are asking for? very confused about this! ty

Re: i need help on how to ask for a raise :)

Maybe you can ask for a "bonus" instead of a raise?

This is what my employer does generally speaking.


I also think you have to be realistic.

Maybe word it as a percentage or say, another $50.00 or $100.00 per week.

Re: i need help on how to ask for a raise :)

i would ask for a meeting with your direct manager

i would think ahead of time about why you need a rais-e what you have done ot earn it, why you deserve it, and show backup if needed. really think ahead of time about what you are going to say.


also have a number in mind, and give it some wiggle room if needed.

also have other suggestions in mind- like more paid vacation, or a gas card if you commute- think of some things that might work for you that are not necessarily monetary


when you do ask, the worst they can say is no. it sounds like you like where you work. you need ot express that to them, that you like it there, want to build your career there ..and this raise would help greatly.

good luck!! the worst they can say is, "no"

Re: i need help on how to ask for a raise :)

Posted by MrsPorkChop

i would ask for a meeting with your direct manager

i would think ahead of time about why you need a rais-e what you have done ot earn it, why you deserve it, and show backup if needed. really think ahead of time about what you are going to say.


also have a number in mind, and give it some wiggle room if needed.

also have other suggestions in mind- like more paid vacation, or a gas card if you commute- think of some things that might work for you that are not necessarily monetary


when you do ask, the worst they can say is no. it sounds like you like where you work. you need ot express that to them, that you like it there, want to build your career there ..and this raise would help greatly.

good luck!! the worst they can say is, "no"

Message edited 8/19/2011 5:02:53 PM.