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TennisandSales

Head Of Sales

Politicker
Acclaimed Answer
Executive
+9

What would it take for you to take a NON commission sales role.

so i have a developing opinion on this.


in years past I would say "fuck that im here for the money lets goooo!!!" but i was making like $80k all in so.....


Now I am in a spot where my OTE is $260k.


And I wonder, would I rather have just a straight base of $300K or a variable plan with a base of $130 and uncapped commission with an OTE of $350K +?


How much higher than your OTE would your current base need to be to give up commission?


advantages:

  1. less stress
  2. id be willing to put up with more bullshit
  3. It allows me to get out of the daily grind a bit and be more strategic

what say you????

👑 Sales Strategy
☁️ Software Tech
💰 Compensation
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82 comments

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antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
12
Bravado's Resident Asshole
give me 450-500k a year and I'll go salary for sure.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
do you have a chance to make that much if you were on commission? what is the LOWEST base you would accept?
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
3
Bravado's Resident Asshole
lol no not right now, lowest base I would accept would be 250k as that is right about the max I could make here at this job and it would definitely be set.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
makes sense. I think thats what I would expect too. is a company take the OTE turn it to base pay and take commission away. i really wonder what that world would look like.

i think we would see ppl get fired more often haha but the good ones stay longer and make the company more money.
antiASKHOLE
Tycoon
2
Bravado's Resident Asshole
I think those that are "good" will have more attention to detail and there would be less mistakes or overselling due to commission breath.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
yep good point. OVER selling should go down, also BAD customers should go down. the whole, just DRIVE them to sign no matter what should go down.

i think those are two positive outcomes.
Littlesaleslady
Valued Contributor
2
Territory Sales Manager
Agreed, high salary like that and I’m in
NotCreativeEnough
Big Shot
10
Professional Day Ruiner
the ENT AE OTE at my company is 350k. Most are well over that. So I would say 400k.

Problem is, I would have no motivation. Where is the benefit to really pushing for that sale? To prospect that little bit extra? To do that one extra meeting? I'm sure that doesn't apply to everyone, but I would absolutely underperform if comp wasn't tied to performance.
Sunbunny31
Politicker
3
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
Definitely could see coasting as an issue. Gotta stay a bit hungry.
CuriousFox
WR Officer
5
🦊
I wouldn't be able to coast. My name and rep are on the line.
TennisandSales
Politicker
3
Head Of Sales
FOR SURE! for everyone that says they will just coast im really curious about.

If that big base would make you coast then I wouldnt give it to you.

the ones that will still DO THEIR JOB are the real A players in my mind.
HeavenstoBetsy
Opinionated
2
BDR
I could see this being a factor for sure.
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
yeah that is something to think about. Im not really wired that way.

i am driven by wanting to be the best, and viewed as someone who gets shit done and knows what he is doing.

the money does fuel that. but if the money was still there i would still be fueled by being successful and being #1.

And i think the commissions structure has created us to be the way you are talking about.

I just wonder if it will always be that way and what the other options would be.

I think of all the fear and stress and chaos the commission has produced as well.
NotCreativeEnough
Big Shot
1
Professional Day Ruiner
Yeah I'm honestly not totally sure how I would operate on just a large salary with no commission. If all I have to do to make 400k a year is show up and work the deals like I've been doing would I work just as hard? I don't really know the answer to that for sure. I can say that I would probably feel more inclined to take vacations, sick days, personal days, etc. I probably wouldn't work past 5, or get and start my day earlier than necessary, or anything like that anymore though.
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
so i think in a world like this, there would still be pressure to work hard. like there would still be pressure to get new pipeline and create opps and close deals. you may still have a quota and stuff but just no commission. so its not really just showing up and working a couple of deals ya know?

the other things you mentioned all sound like massive wins to me haha
Gasty
Notable Contributor
4
War Room Community Manager
When an army officer retires, he plans for a long and relaxing vacation. What ends up happening is him not being able to enjoy like he thought he would. Eventually, ends up finding other (but valuable) battles to fight. That's how he's been wired after all those years in the army.

The question to ask might not be - if you should or shouldn't. Good chance you already know the answer to it. A better question is: would you be able to?

If yes, then more power to you!
If not, you'd might end up finding something else which gives you that consistent commission-dopamine pump.
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
crazy ride you just took me on there @Gasty😂

but yeah if the rush comes from the commission hitting the account then you might miss it.

but i think many find the thrill in the WIN.
Gasty
Notable Contributor
2
War Room Community Manager
whataver floats your...
Panda4489
Politicker
3
Head of Some Shit
I'll take $325k a year salary and go on cruise control no problem lol... Life will be just fine.

Then I'll get bored and start my own side hustles and still make $500k+ lol
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
why do you assume you would get $325? also why do you assume you could go on cruise control?
Panda4489
Politicker
1
Head of Some Shit
Because never take below your worth unless you're in a pinch duh. I'm over that right now with OTE.

When you get rid of the incentive to hustle (variable comp) that's what's likely to happen.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
if your OTE is over that now, then that makes sense to me!
jefe
Arsonist
3
🍁
A salary of
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
😂😂😂😂
Sunbunny31
Politicker
2
Sr Sales Executive 🐰
I'd need $400K at a minimum.

And a pony.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
haha WOOOW $400K? why is that?

The pony can 100% be arranged!
Fenderbaum
Politicker
2
Retired Choirboy🪕
375K minimum, for sure.
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
whats the reason behind that? whats your OTE now?
Fenderbaum
Politicker
1
Retired Choirboy🪕
It's a hypothetical for me. I'm retired.
2
Area Sales Manager
Not that this will EVER happen in corp America but I found this very interesting. After 12 years of sales and sales management experience and the toll of stress from high pressure jobs put on our bodies, minds and relationships I think this would be brilliant if structured properly. I think a more creative approach would be high straight comp with moderate stretch bonuses. I’d still get out and hit it hard everyday because I don’t know how to work any other way. Financial incentive via bonuses to follow and execute sales goals. Miss bonus on either bucket two straight qtrs and you’re out. The fluff will weed themselves out. Those who survive will have a great salary, can make solid financial plans and still have plenty of motivation to overachieve. Can always add kickers for new/focus products, service, etc…

Something to this effect:
$350K salary
$5K quarterly bonus >105PTQ Core Disposable
$5K quarterly bonus >105PTQ Capital (paid on PTQ quarterly)
TennisandSales
Politicker
0
Head Of Sales
sign me the F up!!
DevSomeBiz
Valued Contributor
1
Senior B2B Sales Guy.
$400k a year.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
is that the lowest you would take? what is your OTE now?
DevSomeBiz
Valued Contributor
1
Senior B2B Sales Guy.
OTE is $280k, but I've been way over quota for the past two years. $400k is the least I would take to not have a potential upside, and really, I'd would demand that I could grandfather in my existing pipeline in commission.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
cool that is interesting to know.
also, lets say they offer you $300K. what would have to change for you to take that?
DevSomeBiz
Valued Contributor
0
Senior B2B Sales Guy.
At $300k, I'm going to want some really sweet benefits. Free healthcare for the fam ($18k/yr) to start. I'd also want to be running a team with a VP Title - at least five people. I'll player/coach. Also, equity. Probably $50k a year, and it survives if I leave the company. We're also an international company - cover me the cost for me to live abroad for a year and work out of HQ.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
haha damn man you have some high demands for such a fat base!
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
1
Sales Rep
I would just take what my OTE is at. For the same reasons you put, plus it will make budgeting so much more easier since you know exactly where you will be at, commish is taxed so much more, and when buying a house you get to say a lot larger of a number when applying for a loan since you shouldnt say your OTE in those situation.
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
dude....the daily personal finance management would be SO much easier hahah!
Kosta_Konfucius
Politicker
1
Sales Rep
No more budget on your base, it would be nice
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
haha well to be fair you would still have to budget of your base.....the base would just be higher
EricWins
1
Sales Manager
Id be happy at 100k OTE
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
$100K base no variable?

I would not blame you for a second. that is a solid income.

now many ppl will tell you that you could do more and earn more but i respect that number.
wlynam14
1
Sales Director
Does anyone know any good companies hiring right now with OTE in the $300k+ range?
TennisandSales
Politicker
3
Head Of Sales
not personally but then again once you get above an OTE of $250K the number of opportunities shrink, the requirements get really specific and work history is specific. Those are not your average AE roles IMO
revenuegenerator
Praised Answer
1
Sales Management
I need 500k a year to do straight salary, and i've thought about this a lot. That would be 150 higher than ote now.

I wouldn't do it though. I feel like people would always be second guessing whether you're doing enough/worth it unless you're blowing the number out consistently month in, month out.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
Have you made $500k in a year before?

and you bring up an interesting point. If you are hitting your numbers, (not even blowing them out of the water) then your doing your job and no one should ever doubt you.

in no other part of the company do ppl think this way hahah
revenuegenerator
Praised Answer
1
Sales Management
Yes, I've done 6 twice. Consistently top 5% or 10% whether in IC or management role. However even with sustained success over a career, everyone has bad months/quarters in between. If you're making a huge base or making more than peers in the same role, I've always found this attracts more eyeballs and doesn't always work out in your favor.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
very impressive! i would also agree, the more you make the more attention you get for better or worse!
KB_FarmerType
Opinionated
0
Strategic Sales
I agree! Larger base definitely starts to raise eyeballs
PineappleYa
Opinionated
1
AE
300k and i make a bit over that now but the stress and uncertainty alone… so worth a small hit
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
great insight!
Dixido
Personal Narrative
1
Director of Business Development
The hardest thing with commission only roles that I have dealt with is that you don’t get paid until install. Even offering half up front and half upon install would help people be able to make the change. But if you have to sell for months before you can start making real money it takes it out of the game. Even if they did the math with their average cancellation rate that would work. For example your average sale is 2k in commission and 1 out of 6 jobs cancel then say you need to have 4 or 5 deals out there before you start paying half upfront and half upon install. That way the company knows if people start canceling they have the ability to take any cancellations out of the back end so reps can get a fast start and see how lucrative the job can be in a short amount of time. For example, my company only pays on install and the installation time takes months. So for a new rep, you have to be able to float yourself for months. And as sales people we want instant gratification. So even if you have a fast start you start losing motivation when paychecks are doming in weeks or months after you sold it. So that is why I feel the turnover rate is extremely high on commission only roles. But the people who can float themselves for months and months do extremely well. I hope that makes sense everyone!
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
yeah i was in a commission only role for 4.5 years. it sucked.

the amount of brainwashing that has to happen to make you believe this is a legit way to have a career is insane.

I believe that commission only roles REALLY just benefit the company and not the rep. the company is saving a ton of money and they try to sell you on how much YOU will make.
10XQLA
Politicker
1
Medical Sales Assassin
Do it my man!!!!
CRAG112
Valued Contributor
1
Account Executive
@TennisandSalesIN response to what you asked, my best answer would be if OTE is noirmally 160, 180, 250, etc, then that is definitely the salary to take.

Lets be real here. If you are paid salary + commission, you put up with a ton of fucking bullshit related to your job tenure, commissions, customers, and beyond.

If you are paid salary, you are still dealing with all of that shit in the sales world, but once you start getting paid highly, your job and the role you hold becomes much more valuable and respected.

Pay yourself as much as you can.

If anyone is concerned about their commission, let them earn 50% and try to make up the rest. Guaranteed the majority will be earning more on that high salary. Especially considering 60% of sales team hitting targets is a wild dream. Not even 40% do it in my role and region.

Long story short. Paying sales people half their money or less has only ever benefitted a company. It does nothing for the majority of people. Hence the lack of support, training, onboarding, and beyond when it comes to many sales orgs.

Why give a shit about you when you are cheap.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
@CRAG112idk who you are, but i totally agree with this statement hahah! thank you!
thebritaliansalesguy
Contributor
1
account executive
IMO commissions are great to push us a step more… however the benefits of having a higher basic are great, in particular in countries like Italy and European countries where they don’t consider commissions for mortgages and stuff like that (or have a ve eh small weight).
At the same time to keep motivation could be nice to have yes a high base salary but still some team quarterly, half yearly and years bonuses. It will be lower than paying commissions (so base salary could be accepted) but still motivating as a single and as a team.
Comments?
TennisandSales
Politicker
2
Head Of Sales
good thoughts here. In the states commissions are not considered unless you have been at the company for 2 years. (or at least thats how it was the last time i tried to buy a house using my commission income haha)

There would for sure need to be a big mentality shift in the sales industry. Less of "ill work hard to earn extra" and more "im going to work extra hard because that is the expectation for the money they are paying me."

Ppl that say they will coast with a high base will get fired IMO.

Having a a bonus tied to company performance would make sense. many other non sales roles (and sales roles) have that now.
YosemiteJack
Good Citizen
1
Director - Key Business
I’ve actually always wanted to be straight salary, one company I was at was straight salary with an annual bonus that was tied to individual and company performance. I was consistently #1 or #2 on the sales team there. I’ve always felt an obligation to do the best that I can for the company regardless of the pay. Don’t get me wrong - I want to feel like my work is appreciated and that everything is fair for all parties involved. But money isn’t my ultimate driver. I love to compete and I love to help people.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
really interesting take!
I have for sure found my self wanting to do the best I can, but not "regardless of the pay" thats why I do think there needs to be a high base to demand a high level of dedication if there wont be commission.
1001
Executive
1
Account Manager
I’m taking home 750k this year. There is 0% chance you can get that type of money on base. So no. Do not settle!!!!
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
very nice! that is an elite level of income right there!
Defibrillator
1
Sales Director
I've been straight base plus an annual bonus based on the overall performance of the company for years. I enjoy this model. Lots less stress, and better working relationships with my colleagues since we are all rowing in the same direction.
BornSelling
1
Global Sales Account Manager
150k per year salary. No commission.
Naturally loyal. Wake early, work late, good corporate citizen etc. Some years I earn $250k. Most years between $125k and $150. For my life needs and wants, a steady $150 no commission would keep me happy.
TennisandSales
Politicker
0
Head Of Sales
i like the way you think about this.

looking at what the average you have made is and locking that in. not trying to lock in the highest you have ever earned.
BornSelling
1
Global Sales Account Manager
Thank you. I tend to grind whether it's commission driven or not. It's innate. My own prowess. I get a high from winning whether it's to earn the right to stay seated at 150k a year, or earning the additionals that take me to 150k to 250k a year. Plus, with my happiness I bet my employer gets a 200k value worth of sales out of me lol
1
CSO/CPO
Agree that a solid base would relieve stress and anxiety which is what comes with the sales role. However the success of killing a month and actually putting up with the B.S. that comes with the territory of sales is part of the motivation to keep on it. I would like to take a salary of to help other beginning sales reps or a little less seasoned and strategically work with them to solve the hurdles you and I both know come with that beginning timeframe
CRAG112
Valued Contributor
0
Account Executive
Who in the hell would not take a higher salary, period?

Literally every fucking job out there in the world does it;.

By not taking and demanding a higher salary, you do nothing more than align with old school mindsets that don't want sales people earning.
TennisandSales
Politicker
1
Head Of Sales
well i think this is my point. im curious on HOW much higher the salary would be, or better yet, what is the lowest salary you would take to give up commission.

if you make $80k base and finish the year at 170, and they offer you a base of $125k i can see that not being very attractive.

But if you are at $80K base, end the year at $170K then they offer you a full base of $150 with no commission.....i wonder what ppl would do.

if your at $80 and they give you $200K well of course ppl in that spot would take it, but thats not what im wondering.
10XQLA
Politicker
0
Medical Sales Assassin
I need the company to have skin in the game we are Not prostitutes.... $100k minimum, we must remember 90% of people on the planet CANNOT sell!!!!
TennisandSales
Politicker
0
Head Of Sales
hmm interesting. so if the company is not paying you commission they have no skin in the game? would you take a full commission role then?
And why $100k?
10XQLA
Politicker
0
Medical Sales Assassin
100k is minimum and no commission is not skin in the game that is a fee for my service after the transaction....
JDialz
Politicker
0
Chief Operating Officer
$1.2MM annual salary.
0
Semi Retired
Are They giving you a 1099? Commissions are taxed at 28%. Do you retain their contributions to your Social Security and Unemployment or are they your responsibility. What about your Insurance?

If you're a financial pro or have a financial pro then it is valid consideration.
TennisandSales
Politicker
0
Head Of Sales
Let’s assume that you are only W2 for base and commission
Pipelinedreams
0
SVP,Sales
150% of current salary, plus a strong bonus opportunity - we always need a carrot to chase, we always need to keep score
0
Founder & CEO
This thought comes in when sales guys don't want to sell or think they have sold enough that it is the obligation of the employer to pay back no matter what, and work isn't fun any longer.
This is how the employer thinks.
I've myself been a sales guy for about 15 years and now an employer and love sales.
The grind and hustle (with the fun) has to be daily.
Sales with commissions only is fun and I used to love it that way. My guys do the same as they love what they do.

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