While sales positions that pay primarily by commission only, which is you receive a percentage of a sale as payment rather than a wage or salary, are standard practice in some industries such as real estate, the concept, if you’ve searched through job ads lately, has become more prominent. Companies, at least on the surface, appear to be offer tremendous back-end incentive for your work in selling their product.
This may prove to have a great deal of upside to you, if you’re interested in pursuing sales…to a point.
Depending on the company, the product or the job situation, a commission-only job can be a financial boon for you or a stressful disaster. So, it’s important that when looking at this types of positions that you understand what’s involved with the position, first.
From the start, motivation should be a key driver in your interest in a commission-only post. If you find yourself to have a low level of motivation when it comes to sales, unless this is a part-time opportunity to make a little extra money, it may be worth your time to pursue other ventures.
Next, try and understand the culture of the company that’s posted the ad. Undoubtedly, they will want you to come in for an interview. However, look around the office. What type of environment is it? And what are they saying during the interview? What expectations do they have of you? If their expectation levels out-strip your motivation, again, this is not for you.
Finally, consider the product or service. For some salespeople (albeit a very select few), what they’re selling makes no difference. But it might to you. If it’s not a service or product that you would purchase yourself, it might be best to pass on this opportunity.
And, as always, be careful of the scams. Run, don’t walk, from any opportunities that require a financial investment on your part. If you wanted to do that, you could have started your own business!
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