SalesGuyInWarRoom

Account Exec

Tech Sales ($150k OTE) vs Non-Tech Sales ($200k+ OTE)

I'm between jobs right now but considering two potential offers.

One is in tech sales (SaaS) w/ an OTE of $150k. The other is not in tech and the OTE is $200k.

I feel like long term, getting into SaaS now could open up doors that wouldn't be open otherwise. The $150k role is a bit lower of a comp and position than I've been accustomed to but didn't get anywhere w/ more Senior SaaS roles out there. I feel like the Tech/SaaS space is growing and it seems like the "sexy job."

The non tech role would likely be more money in my pocket the next year or two. However, I'm concerned that there's not a lot of folks that jump from that company or industries once they've been in that space. Don't love the feeling of being boxed in long-term. However, the role is similar to what I've done in the past and is a more Senior role w/ a healthier OTE.

Thoughts?

💰 Compensation

🚀 Career Goals

💆‍♂ Mindset

18

21 comment

Sort by:

Pachacuti

Politicker

4

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

Whats the base for each? That is more important than OTE.

But you're right - SaaS is more "sexy" and if you like tech sales, I wouldn't pass up this opportunity, even if it means slightly less for a couple years.

Sunbunny31

Politicker

3

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

Congratulations on the two offers!

$50K is a big difference in base, but sounds like you have that covered.

What's the role in the SaaS company? SMB? MM?

SalesGuyInWarRoom

Fire Starter

1

Account Exec

The SaaS company focuses on SMB. Seniority is ultimately gained by hitting higher numbers and the quota and earning potential increase from there.

Non tech company is MM / Enterprise

Sunbunny31

Politicker

1

Sr Sales Executive 🐰

I asked because SMB or MM is often the starting point at many tech companies, with Enterprise and then Strategic being the next rungs up the IC ladder. Base goes up with those moves - EAE can be 100K-150K base; Strategic even more. So I ask because usually good SMB reps get moved up to MM pretty quickly. Coletrain suggested that you check with reps at the companies - if you do that, ask about the IC path as well; can you expect to be moved, and if so, what does that typically look like?

Justatitle

Big Shot

3

Account Executive

Based on where tech is right now it’s the best time to try your hand at something non SAAS. Think about it 2 years from now if you want to get back in SAAS, you can have a great story that this was the path that you viewed as safest with the climate we are in and now ride out the storm and get back to SAAS after. Also you have the ability to have a higher base+OTE if you want to get back in tech.

Kosta_Konfucius

Politicker

2

Sales Rep

Well congrats on the two offers!

Most of my thoughts aren't on the industry, but the company and the OTEs.

While interviewing, do you lean towards a company/culture. There are people you are going to spend a lot of time with so its always important.

Not all OTEs are equal and I don't mean 200k is more than 150k, but other factors.

Some are very realistic and some no one on the team is hitting the OTE. For example the 150k can be majority of the team is at or above, while majority of the 200k OTE position are actually seeing 120k on their W2s at the end of the year.

Also where is base at? Outside of the exception of SMB, it may take a little bit to get the ball rolling. And everyone knows budget off your base, so I think that is a very important factor.

SalesGuyInWarRoom

Fire Starter

1

Account Exec

Base for both are about half of OTE: $75 for the $150 and $125 for the $200. The $50k a year swing in base can go a long way. Just want to make sure I'm not making a decision based off of one or two years of pay. Financially we should be ok either way.

I guess my question is if this is my "in" into tech-sales, do I just accept that I need to cut my teeth for a year or two to join this world? Or is there a chance that I'll be able to get hired on as a Senior SaaS Sales rep at a later date.

From interviewing w/ other SaaS companies for senior level roles (which would be equivalent to what I was doing in the non-tech space) it seemed to me I was disadvantaged by not having SaaS experience. When I saw the folks that ended up being hired for the role on LinkedIn it seemed like they all came from tech.

Anyone out there made the jump from non-tech to tech while maintaining a similar level?

Pachacuti

Politicker

3

They call me Daddy, Sales Daddy

That $50k base difference is significant and life changing. I guess you need to look at your goals 5-10 years out.

antiASKHOLE

Tycoon

2

Bravado's Resident Asshole

My thoughts exactly

coletrain

Politicker

3

Account Executive

Here's my thoughts based on that: find someone on the inside to give you a scoop on what attainment actually looks like. Hearing from someone in the role now is imperative to figure out whether this is a bust or boon.

alonzoharris

Politicker

2

Partner Manager

The one with the higher base

punishedlad

Tycoon

2

Business Development Team Lead

I'd also take into account the specific subset of the industry each company sells for. Big thing to think about with current economic conditions.

AlwaysBeHunting

Executive

0

Enterprise Account Executive

Agree. Make sure whatever you are going to be selling is a core technology or product. Due to the market, wants and nice-to-haves are going to be a very difficult sell starting in the near future, moving forward for likely the next 1-2 years or more.

CadenceCombat

Tycoon

2

Account Executive

OTE is meaningless

Diablo

Politicker

1

Sr. AE

Congratulations!
I would pick a job that I am confident about and can assign to my personal goals for next 3-5 years!

TennisandSales

Politicker

0

Head Of Sales

based off of how to described these opportunities it sounds like YOU want to take the $150K job.

and i would agree. i dont like the idea of being boxed in long term. i HAVE to know the future is bright.

I would join us in the saas world!

DungeonsNDemos

Big Shot

0

Rolling 20's all day

I've always said higher base makes more sense. But if it will open doors the other won't and you're willing to front the risk then you know yourself better than we do.

anon4355

Opinionated

0

Account Executive

Go where you think it’ll make more sense in the long run. Sometimes a slight reduction in pay now can lead to greater opportunities down the road.

RelationshipMaker

Opinionated

0

Head of Sales

Take the medium term into account first as well as company culture and "fit". No sense moving to a place that you hate but earn bigger bucks.

Congrats on the two offers, listen to your gut.

Lambda

Tycoon

0

Sales Consultant

I would take the non tech sales and learn how to bring tech INTO that business

Panda4489

Politicker

0

Head of Some Shit

Services ote $350k 🤷🏻‍♂️

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

© 2024 Bravado Inc. All rights reserved.

Privacy Policy Legal and Privacy Center Sales Jobs

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.