Commissions

Boopa said
Ok I have a base salary that I get, but I also get commissions whenever I sell a Protection Plan(like a warranty only better) or a Tech Service at work. However lately, say within the last 5 months I keep getting screwed. I'll give a customer my card, and they'll come back when I'm not there and someone else'll get my commission. Like one time I was selling a Notebook to a guy and his father. Had em convinced on the plan and service. Gave em my card, they ended up coming back after I left and handing my card to the associate in Tech. Only thing is she only saw my first name, which is Bryan. Problem with that is we have myself and two other Brians at Office Depot. So she thought it was the Assistant Manager Brian, so she calls him over and her gets my $199 plan and $99 tech service. When I told him about it, he said he'd change it and give me credit. He never did though. The other day I was telling a customer what days I was gonna be there. When I mentioned not to come Wednesday because I wouldn't be there, he looked at me like I was nuts. I told him later that the only time I can make sure I get my commissions is when I'm there. I mean am I wrong for that?

-B

Ill be honest, if I ever heard an employee telling a customer to come back at a certain time, so he can get a commission, Id ask the employee to leave, and not come back. Hell, make up an excuse about how you can process things faster since youve already dealt with him. Make it about how its better for the customer, because frankly they owe you no favors.

The thing is, if you are all selling "as a team" and its not just you making all the sales, you should get as many "unearned" commissions as you lose due to people forgetting cards when they return. Simple stats say that they are no more likely to forget your card, then someone elses unless the other people are doing something better then you to remind the customer to bring it.

Yes you will miss some, yes you will get some -- in the end everything should come out in the wash, especially if you have good relationships with your fellow sales managers or atleast know them well. Know which ones have your back, get theirs, and the ones that will screw you, screw back.

If thats not the case, it is worth looking for new jobs -- probably not in sales.