I recently accepted a job offer and have a question?

Question

I was sought out by this gentleman and he offered me a fantastic job where I can work from home doing advertising. (which is my background, marketing and sales).. He has asked me to ramp up a sales team and I will make a portion of their commission (perfectly normal)... Now all of a sudden his offer has changed pretty much, hes only offering me 10% commission (which I find insulting) and no travel expenses. This is a brand new, full color magazine and I understand they don't have much money, but I will be making it for them through national advertising campaigns. Anyway my question is how can I renegotiate my commission base without him just saying forget it. I really want this job, but there is NO way I can work for 10% and no salary. What would you do? Help...lol

You'll find me to be an agressive sales woman, with a talent for creating lasting business relationships with our new advertisers and contacts.

As an independent contractor I will have daily expenses such as travel, marketing materials, office cost etc... 10% will not adequately recoup my personal cost, nor would it attract qualified sales people to join the team. Especially given the fact that ads will be places quarterly, versus cost that are on-going.

Florida is huge market with fantastic growth potential for East Coast Ink. My market is well established and profitable for the tattoo industry.

Bottomline - To build a revenue base of both clients and new sales staff, a gross commission split of 30% to Managers, with a net commission of 20% to the Ad Sales Representative is standard. As a manager I will be focusing my efforts on both new ad clients and sales team recruitment. Please let me know when you are available. I want to get these final items resolved and begin m

Answer 1

Be direct. "I have noticed that commission is listed at 10%. I was under the impression it was greater than that. For the amount of work you are requiring this just is not acceptable. What options are availvble to make us both happy?"

The key is to not ask for anything specific, but see what is available. Make them figure out how to keep you, not make you happy.

Answer 2

If you didn't get something in writing from the get-go you should have. He can change his mind at any point and you really have nothing to fall back on. I would suggest that you, very professionally and tactfully, ask for a meeting to discuss this issue. Explain (and have it to show) that your work deserves more than 10%. Don't get personal about living expenses because thats not his problem. Remember, if it looks to good to be true..it probably is. Good luck!

Answer 3

Honestly? Option A, Walk, because it will never happen, or option b. Have him put in writing that in X amount of issues, or months, whatever is best for you, your pay will be ........, and have him sign it. Get a lawyer to draw it up short and sweet.
That way if the thing is a success, you're covered.

Travel expenses he has to pay, it's normal for the industry, don't cave on that because no one else will agree to either that's worth a damn.

I'm still thinking option A is better, it's not going to happen.

Answer 4

I would respect myself and state what I'm feeling very directly but politely. If you want the job and can't take the money, then you shouldn't take the job. Find something else.

And by the way... if his offer changed once, what makes you think he'll be honest the next time an important issue comes up???

Answer 5

it depends. how much do you know this man, and do you have faith in his ability to make things happen? If your degree of confidence is high, then it might be worth it in the long run, even though short-term, it stinks.
If you don't have confidence, I'd move on.
I was once in a situation with a start up operation where I was paid a pittance to start, but as we made money, my earnings soomed upwards. i consider myself vey lucky.

Answer 6

Best advise is to look for an alternate job. DO not take up this assignment