SaaS_Slingling_Slasher

Account Executive

Selling for a competitor - Optics?

Hey Ya'll,

I have a dilemma - I was approached by a competing software to work for them in the same vertical i work in now. The company reaching out is much more established overall but less established in the space they want me to sell into, the product is not as good but it is cheaper and more flexible with set up. They have only been selling into this vertical for 5 months or so, so are hoping to find some experienced reps to help get them off the ground. I am pretty fed up with my current company and am interested in leaving - but the advice Im looking for is how bad would this look professionally? Would it be a really stupid move to go to a less-established product? I should also mention the pay is significantly better

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11 comments

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CuriousFox

WR Officer

🦊

Did you sign a non compete? Are they offering a significant amount of money?

SoccerandSales

Big Shot

Account Executive

As long as you don't have a non-compete, I would say do it. Internally they may not like it at your current company, but that doesn't mean much once you are gone. Cash is king

Sunbunny31

Politicker

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Working for a company now that is competitive to some solutions at my previous employer. If you're getting a really good offer, it's definitely worth considering. It's common.

RE selling competitively:

You'll be able to highlight differences very well between the solutions.You won't need to denigrate your previous employer's solution; there's value in a less expensive more flexible solution for some customers. Adjust your pitch to present those as benefits.

If you're selling to a familiar prospect and they ask, you can just say you were excited to make a move, and you see the value in the solution you're now selling, or something along those lines.

TennisandSales

Politicker

Head Of Sales

so professionally, it could look bad but only for the ppl in the industry.

If you sold to a prospect, now you are at the company, and you are selling to them again? could look bad. BUT its all about the story you have to tell people.

For sure not uncommon to leave for a competitor.

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

Bravado's Resident Asshole

This isn't a new thing to happen by any means. Unless you have a non-compete, then you should be in the clear. Are they offering you a better comp?

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

Sales Rep

I think its extremely common to leave for a competitor, I think its the most likely place for someone to leave to. All these job descriptions are looking for experience working in the same industry/which is always a competitor

as long as you dont take company info and pricing before you leave, its fine

saaskicker

Celebrated Contributor

Enterprise AE

can always go back if it doesnt go well and get paid more at old company.

jefe

Arsonist

🍁

Look after yourself and go for it, if the offer is better and you're dissatisfied - both of which seem to be the case.

Diablo

Politicker

Sr. AE

Based on your description that you are fed up - I would definitely jump ships if the offer is good and I haven’t signed any agreement with the existing company that I cannot work for a direct competition.

revenuegenerator

Praised Answer

Sales Management

Is it a new vertical for this company or a new product offering they're asking you to sell? If it's a new product offering and you can sell to their existing customers of other offerings than that's interesting.

Personally, I wouldn't go to an inferior product. You're going to watch your ex-coworkers eat your lunch most of the time, and maybe you're getting a little more base salary for it.

The new variable commission may be enticing but if it's an inferior product you'll probably have a lower % of attainment. Just something to think about.

It looks fine going to a competitor, as long as you're not violating a non-compete. The optics are fine.

PineappleYa

Opinionated

If pay is better and you can sell it it’s not a bad thing it’s expected…

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SaaS_Slingling_Slasher

Selling for a competitor - Optics?

11 comments

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