PineTar

Account Executive

New offer at an early stage startup, no ramp defined

Hi all, I recently received an offer at an early stage startup. A few stages younger than I have worked for in the past. No ramp was built into offer (no draw, quota increases throughout year, but not weighted based on start). Technical product, but I have experience in the field, and expect 1-3 month sales cycles. Have others found this is common in earlier-stage companies, and any opinions?

🤝 Interviewing/Offer

16 comments

Sort by:

poweredbycaffeine

WR Lieutenant

☕️

You’re the candidate and therefore they still need to sell you. Ask them to walk you through the ramp period and outline comp and/or quota.

Most startups don’t write that into the offer, but can show you in the comp plan. If they won’t, or can’t, then it may be an opportunity to pass on them.

CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

If they won't it's a sign to move on imo.

Avon

Politicker

Senior Account Executive

Unless I was out of work, I wouldnt take a new job with no ramp pay. It would have to be a huge increase in base salary just to net even with my current commission.

PineTar

Fire Starter

Account Executive

I'm currently not in-seat, so that definitely affects my decision a bit. Expecting another offer, so I'll wait to compare. Thank you for the two cents!

Avon

Politicker

Senior Account Executive

Yeah that changes things, Id still try to negotiate it a bit but worth it if no better options.

BigShrimpin

Catalyst

Account executive

never hurts to ask for what you want worst they can do is say no

Space_Ghost20

Valued Contributor

Account Executive

I've worked for three startups, two of them late stage, and one very early. None of the three had any sort of draw or ramp period. It was 2-4 weeks of training (of varying quality) then off you go. Small sample size, but yeah it's been my experience with startups.

PineTar

Fire Starter

Account Executive

Really helpful, thank you! The other startups I've worked for did provide, so it's nice to know that my norm isn't necessarily widespread.

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

I seem to see no ramp more often than a ramp in startups, unfortunately.

Justatitle

Big Shot

Account Executive

Without a job it’s tough to say no. No ramp is a concern unless they are feeding you leads to learn as you get up to speed and it’s not a big deal

Pachacuti

Politicker

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

First off - always get it in writing or it didn't happen. Trust me, I know from experience with every type of company....GET IT IN WRITING. Everything with a newer company is wild west, so its legit they probably don't have these things in place. Which is why its even more important to GET IT IN WRITING.

Second, have you asked them "is there a plan to help me get up to speed & be successful?" As important your 30-60-90 day plan is, they should have one too. And you can add "its mutually beneficial to help me ramp up".

They may be thinking that the commission you'll eventually get more than makes up for no ramp $$. Ok. But they need to show that to you, otherwise it doesn't exist and they are just using you OR they have no plan you'll probably fail.

NoToBANT

Catalyst

Senior Account Executive

I’ve read too many of these situations where you end up getting screwed over. Goalposts move. You lose, they win

If you agree to anything make sure it’s all in writing. Everything. None of this gentleman’s-agreement shit

oldcloser

Arsonist

💀

☝️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️✍️

oldcloser

Arsonist

💀

I’m old enough to remember when taking a sales job, you only needed to consider the value of the product.

CRAG112

Valued Contributor

Account Executive

Brag more?

Beans

Big Shot

Enterprise Account Executive

Should at least have 90 day protection to learn, ramp and build funnel.

Bravado is a community of trusted sales professionals endorsed by their customers.

Products

The War Room Jobs Salary Guide Tech Sales U

Company

About Us How It Works Blog Bug Bounty

Contact

Press Careers

If you are hired as a contract sales rep by a Bravado customer, we may ask you to prove access to the employee email account provided to you by that customer. This data will be shared with customers to track your sales productivity; customers can use this data to confirm you meet the minimum activity requirements to pay out your ramp stipend and commission.

PineTar

New offer at an early stage startup, no ramp defined

16 comments

Related posts

Need advice : Go to a Big Company (Google/SFDC) or early stage startup [8+ years of Experience]

Resellers & Early Stage Start ups

Comp plan for an AE in an early stage Start Up