HARDISON’S TIPS – MAY 7, 2021 – WHAT DO YOU NEED TO KNOW ABOUT COMMISSION SALES
8. Retail Salespersons
Median pay: $25,250
Retail sales refers to the occupation in which merchandise (such as clothing, furniture, or appliances) are sold in a retail brick-and-mortar environment. These environments include everything from general merchandise stores to dealers specializing in specific wares such as sporting goods or musical instruments.
Since success is often dependent on foot traffic rather than sales activity, retail salespersons are often compensated by a base salary only. However, retail environments with high-ticket items often pay flat commission rates.
9. Sales and Related Workers, All Other
Median pay: $31,820
This category of sales encompasses salespeople in positions and industries that don’t fall into any of the ones mentioned above. This can include roles at automobile dealerships, in non-depository credit intermediation, and with food and beverage retailers. The range of roles that fall into this category is broad, so the variety the commission structures used tends to be as well.
Before agreeing to accept a sales job at a company, you should have a clear outline and understanding of its commission structure and compensation plan. The sales commission agreement should tell you everything you need to know about the commission and salary you’re going to make.
Sales Commission Agreement
What is a sales commission agreement? It includes a salesperson’s terms of employment. The agreement also outlines the compensation structure and working relationship between employee and employer.
In short, it allows both the salesperson and their employer to agree on compensation, commission, and job responsibilities. Here are the key elements that should be included in a sales commission agreement.
1. Authorization
This section gives the okay for the salesperson to sell products or services on behalf of their employer. The employer often limits the selling by restricting the regions or territories in which the offerings are sold and prohibiting the rebranding and reselling of their products.
2. Documentation
The salesperson must agree to use documentation and tools that are approved by the company to keep track of their sales activities. For example, this would include CRM databases, software, forms, etc.
3. Non-Compete Clause
A non-compete clause requires the salesperson to refrain from representing or selling on behalf of a competitor for a period of time after leaving their employer.
4. Non-Disclosure Clause
The non-disclosure clause ensures that the employee agrees to refrain from sharing confidential information or intellectual property.
5. Commission Structure
This is where you share the details of the commission structure. After reading this section, the employee and employer should have a clear understanding of:
- The compensation structure (e.g., commission, performance incentives, bonuses)
- When a commission is earned
- When commissions are paid
- Consequences of cancellations, refunds, or default of payments from customers
