Finding myself unemployed, I am getting many responses from companies that are willing to hire you at 100 % commission, no benefits, expenses, etc… Of course they all claim you will make 100K, but even if you do and have to pay for all travel and phone and other expenses, it really would cut into the take. My opinion is that at 100% commission, the company makes no investment in you so really doesnt care whether you succeed or not. Their product might suck and they don’t care, just hire more people and eventually something will sell. I’ve had responses from everything from industrial lighting to insurance to estate planning to other stuff, and turned it all down. Does anyone have a success story or a positive opinion to share?
You’re absolutely correct about the company’s lack of committment.
I’ve known sales reps who thrive on 100% commission, making well into 6 figures BUT they’ve worked for established and well known companies (well known at least within their industries) and were not, I repeat, ** NOT** selling to consumers.
If you’re a seasoned professional sales person, you can find a quality company with a quality product and top notch reputation and do well at 100% commission.
If you don’t fit into that category and have money to invest in yourself, you’ll be better off starting your own business doing something you know and do well than to expend the same amount of cash trying to sell a product in an industry unfamiliar to you. At least you understand that you’re the only person who would be making and investment.
The companies you’ve heard from seem to specialize in recruiting the unemployed. There’s a reason.
From someone who offers 100% commission I have to say you must be careful. Look for a business plan that makes sense, don’t really count on references as they can be manufactured. Even if a business plan makes sense to you it may not work but if you feel it can work it’s a start.
The reason we offer 100% com. is that there is a fairly long turn around from when a contract is signed and revenue is generated (apx 6 months). As such we do not specialize in recruiting the unemployed but more so existing employees at other companies that have contacts that they would be willing to sign up for our services. If their experience is positive then they might consider doing it full time.
You should NEVER have to put any money into such companies to start unless you are buying into them (partnership or stock). What we ask (basically) is that they must have a phone number, fax (some have use our fax #) and some way of immediate contact such as cell phones, beepers, etc.
amen to all of these answers.
Since you’re looking for advice and anecdotal answers, I’ll move this thread to IMHO.