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Ackerman123

Enterprise Sales

Executive
Fire Starter
Contributor
+2

Signing Bonus To Replace Lost Commissions?

I've made the decision after nearly four years in my current company to search for a new opportunity. Granted, this is not the ideal market  to be doing such a thing, but I think I have the type of resume that can compete for the current openings. 

However, my company sets the commission structure for 12 monthly payouts starting from the month after a deal goes live. Long story short, I have recently closed some biggies and have roughly $10k/month in commissions waiting for me even if I don't sell another thing for six months. 

What is the likelihood that a company would pay me a signing bonus or something similar to help offset the losses I'd endure by leaving? I don't think I could leave all that money on the table and start from $0 elsewhere. 
🧠 Advice
🍾 Commission
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19 comments

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SaaSam
Politicker
5
Account Executive
Chances are nobody is going to offer you a 120k signing bonus. Likely not even half.

Why are you leaving? 10K a month would be worth sticking around for unless something crazy is pushing you out the door.
Ackerman123
Executive
1
Enterprise Sales
I wouldn’t expect anywhere near a full replacement of my lost commission - just something to cushion the blow - something along the lines of a non-recoverable draw perhaps.

It’s a fair question as to why I’d want to leave. Couple things: My quota was set so unreasonably high that I had the best month out of 25 salespeople yet was coached for missing my number. Also, we added somebody to my team and instead of paying them like a new rep, my commission was reduced by half and given to them. My company expects us to be so busy that we won’t feel the difference, but that is absurd to me and almost a dealbreaker because of the blatant face slap.
SaaSam
Politicker
1
Account Executive
Oh damn.

Definitely justified in looking for a way out. I'd be livid.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
1
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Your earned commission was given to someone else? Is that in your comp plan? That's really bad.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
1
🦊
No reason to stay somewhere you ain't getting paid.
Ackerman123
Executive
1
Enterprise Sales
It was not in my comp plan and they just chopped it in half to share with a new hire. This has caused massive friction between the two of us, which is just as major of an issue as the commission itself. Frustrating as I’ve been a top producer and a long-term employee, but the resumè is now updated and the search for a new home is underway.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
0
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Best of luck to you. They aren’t treating you right.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
It's definitely something to bring up when the salary/comp discussion comes up at any new employer.
Tireless
Contributor
2
CRO
The surest way of not getting it is not to ask! Ask what you think you deserve and if the hiring manager thinks you are that valuable, you will get it. Otherwise, you have a decision to make.
jefe
Arsonist
2
🍁
Not bringing anything new to the table, but you should definitely lay out what you're giving up and see what any employer can do.

Sounds like your current organization is pulling some shitty/shady stuff.
JustGonnaSendIt
Politicker
1
Burn Towns, Get Money
I have heard of this happening, although I haven't personally had it happen.

I would go thru the comp discussion process and disclose what you have on the table coming in and see what they can do for you.

This also insinuates that your current employer won't pay out commission due after you leave. You may also want to check local labor laws to see if there are rules about that / your comp plan.

At my current company, any commission due is paid out (we're paid all at once on deals 60 days in arears) even after you leave.

At my past company, you forfeited anything unpaid when you left.
Ackerman123
Executive
1
Enterprise Sales
That’s a good point to bring up. My company is very stingy about paying things out, so I would not expect anything last the month I’m leaving.

Your company having that commission policy is fantastic and it should be industry standard, but most places find a way to screw over outgoing reps.
JustGonnaSendIt
Politicker
0
Burn Towns, Get Money
In some US jurisdictions, it's a legal requirement to pay it out even after you leave. Depends on local laws. You should check that out.
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
1
Sales Rep
The likely hood of getting a signing bonus through negotiation is high, but to match or offset those really depends to the role/company. If you have one of those 350k OTE ones maybe, but if you are 150k I highly doubt you can get a signing bonus to offset 10k/month in commish.

If I am wrong please let me know though, I havent had that much in commission in the air in between roles
ThatNewAE
Big Shot
1
Account Executive - Mid enterprise
I don't see anyone matching this number. $120k, I guess? nah. Less likely. But good show on $120k though.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
Depends on the company. I would for sure make them aware of this at some point in the interview process.
When i left my last company they gave me a massive check (well massive for me) to cover lost commissions.
Pachacuti
Politicker
1
They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy
I seriously doubt anyone will give you a $120k signing bonus. Things must be bad if you're willing to walk away from that.

I have seen $10-20k signing bonuses in the past.
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
1
Bravado's Resident Asshole
Like many have mentioned, I don't think that you will find a full replacement, but you can at least ask for something.
detectivegibbles
Politicker
0
Sales Director
Always ask. Sounds like you have the resume to back it up and likely to find yourself with a few offers.

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