Can you negotiate commission increases instead of base salary?

Would you ever do that? Or is it better to take the base salary increase instead?

9
salesnerd
WR Officer
5
Head of Growth
Depends on what you value for sure. If you value the consistency of a higher base salary, go that way. If you value the ability to drastically increase your pay via commissions, go that way.

I'll warn you... comp plans can change at any time. It's very rare to have your base salary dropped, but pretty common to have your commission rate cut or your quota increased. I would be very cautious with this.
SalesPharaoh
Big Shot
1
Senior Account Executive
I agree, it may also give the impression (right or wrong) that you are a sales beast which in turn can invite a higher quota therefore you probably missing your target and kissing your commission goodbye. I got bitten last year like that after hitting quota each quarter, the previous one last year best was 70%. After closing much bigger deals that the previous years.
CadenceCombat
Tycoon
0
Account Executive
I never have but I imagine it's been done.
ounceoz
WR Officer
0
US Sales Director
For sure, for example negotiate a ramp based on % of attainment. Or a higher % after you hit your number.
madtea
Good Citizen
0
Regional Director
This might be tricky since commission could be set for all reps. If it’s not, say you know other people are making x% and here’s why you should get that.
SalesGal
Politicker
0
Account Executive
I would prefer a base salary increase. Like@salesnerdmentioned, a comp plan can change. Plus, you normally have very little control on the actual quota. What if you get a completely unrealistic sales quota ? 
AnchorPoint
Politicker
0
Business Coach
Salary is commission paid over 12 months.
GigabitChaser
Valued Contributor
0
Sr Account Executive
I worked for a VAR (value added reseller) and their goal was to remove the base and bump the commission after 1-2 years. 
CuriousFox
WR Officer
0
🦊
Technically you can do anything. What did you decide?
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