Would you take a job that is paid on 100% commission?

Question

Does anyone have any insight on what it takes to be a Sales Manager for a radio station? I have an offer on the table and I'm stuck becaused this would be the first job I have taken that is paid 100% commission. This seems like a huge risk for me. But they have shown me that the growth and market conditions are stable enough were I will be making much more than what I earn now. I have always believed that if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Anyone have any thoughts on this one???

The job is working with 30-40 established accounts, offering all the marketing products radio stations have to offer. I would not be managing any people, just selling and working with customers. The part that scares me, is the cold calling and selling to new customers. I am not that aggresive of a person, more passive.

Answer 1

It all depends. If there is a benchmark that needs hit before you get a commission, then be wary. If there are other salespeople involved, take into account how the sales are divided. Are corporate accounts (i.e. Wal-Mart, McDonalds, FedEx) treated differently than locally owned merchants? You take a look at the market yourself, what kind of competition is out there? Is this a metro or small market? Check out what kind of businesses would be interested in buying radio advertising paying particular attention to banks, car dealerships, realtors, medical professionals, hospitals, care centers places with a lot of money to spend on advertising. Some markets are growing but with businesses that don't do a lot of advertising, like fast-food chains and other chain stores. What kind of growth do you see? Houses or businesses and what kind of businesses. Industrial manufacturers aren't likely to buy any advertisiing from you at all. The biggest thing is to be smart about it. Can you sell the territory you are being given? What are the benchmarks and are they achievable? Who has the accounts now and how are they divided? I run a small local newspaper, advertising is a very competitive business even in small towns, but it can be very profitable if you are smart about it.

Answer 2

i agree with the comment posted that a 100% commision will really rake it in granted you really work hard - then you would never dream of a fixed salary.

but i think its not really the 100% commission or a fixed salary which should worry you.

what I am inclined to comment is your statement that you are more of a passive person rather than an aggressive one. this is not exactly traits of a sales person.

i guess if you really want the job, then consider reflecting on your passive behavior....sorry to say this, you might have a problem in the future getting clients if that's the case..

good luck!

Answer 3

A sales manager must mean you have a lot of experiance managing people and selling so go for it. If they expect you to manage people and not take a cut of their commissions also I would worry. Will you be actually selling or only managing sales staff?
If you will be getting a 1099 don't forget about the tax issues.

Answer 4

100% commission is a great way to make lots of money.... if you can sell. In fact, determining your own fate is what most salespeople love about the job.

Work hard, be persistent, and you can make this work. Cold calls aren't scary, they're just people like you & me.

Good luck!

Answer 5

If you are a good salesperson, what would you have to worry about? I agree to be hesitant, but no one got rich sitting back and waiting. Best to you, what ever you choose.

Answer 6

HEY JAYME, I SAY GO FOR IT ..IT SOUNDS TO ME YOU KNOW WHAT YOUR DOING..IF THIS WORKS OUT IT WILL BE AWESOME FOR YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ...ILL PRAY FOR YOU AND HAVE FAITH YOU WILL BE GREAT AT THIS ..GOOD LUCK