What to pay sales people? Am I paying too much
December 6, 2005 1:15 AM Subscribe
What to pay sales people? Am I paying too much
Whilst setting up a pretty new business I have picked
up enough work to last me a few months. However the
money coming in is covering my bills and not bringing
in too much.
I do work for the US and UK, some big name clients. My
company designs websites and more.
With the extra money I have been paying out for
advertising in Google Adwords and Adbrite. Its been
great as its brought quite alot of traffic my way.
Now I think its time to bring in sales people but not
in a full-time basis as I cannot afford this. Most
companies offer in the region of 5-10% commission per
site from sales, however If I pay more as in 20%
commission would that sound reasonable for a
freelanced commission only sales person. I will supply
a phone number (US or UK number) and phone bill costs.
The person will work from home or wherever they want.
Personally I think this will benefit someone who wants
extra money to work flexi on their terms. When a site
comes in and if the client wants to use Definitive
labs with final invoice. The commission will be sent
via bacs transfer, cash or paypal (When the final
payment has been paid). I have a few leads that I can
get from websites, but most of the calls will have to
be cold-called from sources like Business Pages,
Yellow Pages, etc.
Things that they can sell:
Web design, Web Accessibility (Css/xHTML), Web
redesign, CMS, Hosting, Print design, Blog Design,
Marketing, 3D Animation, Creative Writing (Not by me),
Flash Animation and more. Look at
http://www.definitivelabs.com/services.php
This will be a test for me as I have never employed a
sales person before, if someone does well and
generates enough leads I will employ them full-time
and still they will be able to work from home or at my
office. This stands to anyone in the world that can
sell english speaking websites.
My company is a registered Ltd company and 100% legit.
I currently have 15 staff working in a full-time
contract environment. I dont mind paying people good
money if they can bring in work.
I can see this being useful to a graduate or anyone
who wants to make extra money.
Sales has always been a weak part as I have never
needed them as I work on word of mouth. So is the
commission too high/low and does it sound reasonable.
I have never seen a freelanced Sales Person, so could
this be the first?
My site is http://www.definitivelabs.com if you want
ot have a look or if you know someone who can do this
give them my email address jobs@definitivelabs.com
Can anyone give me any advice? Cheers.
Whilst setting up a pretty new business I have picked
up enough work to last me a few months. However the
money coming in is covering my bills and not bringing
in too much.
I do work for the US and UK, some big name clients. My
company designs websites and more.
With the extra money I have been paying out for
advertising in Google Adwords and Adbrite. Its been
great as its brought quite alot of traffic my way.
Now I think its time to bring in sales people but not
in a full-time basis as I cannot afford this. Most
companies offer in the region of 5-10% commission per
site from sales, however If I pay more as in 20%
commission would that sound reasonable for a
freelanced commission only sales person. I will supply
a phone number (US or UK number) and phone bill costs.
The person will work from home or wherever they want.
Personally I think this will benefit someone who wants
extra money to work flexi on their terms. When a site
comes in and if the client wants to use Definitive
labs with final invoice. The commission will be sent
via bacs transfer, cash or paypal (When the final
payment has been paid). I have a few leads that I can
get from websites, but most of the calls will have to
be cold-called from sources like Business Pages,
Yellow Pages, etc.
Things that they can sell:
Web design, Web Accessibility (Css/xHTML), Web
redesign, CMS, Hosting, Print design, Blog Design,
Marketing, 3D Animation, Creative Writing (Not by me),
Flash Animation and more. Look at
http://www.definitivelabs.com/services.php
This will be a test for me as I have never employed a
sales person before, if someone does well and
generates enough leads I will employ them full-time
and still they will be able to work from home or at my
office. This stands to anyone in the world that can
sell english speaking websites.
My company is a registered Ltd company and 100% legit.
I currently have 15 staff working in a full-time
contract environment. I dont mind paying people good
money if they can bring in work.
I can see this being useful to a graduate or anyone
who wants to make extra money.
Sales has always been a weak part as I have never
needed them as I work on word of mouth. So is the
commission too high/low and does it sound reasonable.
I have never seen a freelanced Sales Person, so could
this be the first?
My site is http://www.definitivelabs.com if you want
ot have a look or if you know someone who can do this
give them my email address jobs@definitivelabs.com
Can anyone give me any advice? Cheers.
This post was deleted for the following reason: self-link
Response by poster: I had to add my website incase readers are interested. Do you think that 20% is good enough without a base salary.
posted by spooksie at 1:24 AM on December 6, 2005
posted by spooksie at 1:24 AM on December 6, 2005
I had to add my website incase readers are interested.
What, did someone put a gun to your head and force you to do so? You didn't "have" to.
This isn't what Ask MetaFilter is for.
posted by grouse at 1:35 AM on December 6, 2005
What, did someone put a gun to your head and force you to do so? You didn't "have" to.
This isn't what Ask MetaFilter is for.
posted by grouse at 1:35 AM on December 6, 2005
Response by poster: I asked for advice on sales, not on advertising! Like I said before 'sales' isnt my bag.
If you want to troll its upto you. But Im sure MF will remove this post if they see that it isnt right.
posted by spooksie at 1:58 AM on December 6, 2005
If you want to troll its upto you. But Im sure MF will remove this post if they see that it isnt right.
posted by spooksie at 1:58 AM on December 6, 2005
But Im sure MF will remove this post if they see that it isnt right.
Me too. Of course, I think Matt and Jessamyn are probably asleep now so this will probably stay up until morning, U.S.-style.
posted by grouse at 2:06 AM on December 6, 2005
Me too. Of course, I think Matt and Jessamyn are probably asleep now so this will probably stay up until morning, U.S.-style.
posted by grouse at 2:06 AM on December 6, 2005
This and the link that sohcahtoa points to both break the MetaFilter guidelines, and both will likely be deleted when Matt wakes up in the morning.
I realize that you do have a real question here, but the question reads like an employment advertisement and links directly to your business website. People on MetaFilter tend to have very little tolerance for self-promotion of any kind. Self-promotion disguised as a business recommendation ("I used ABC inc. to do that for me, they were awesome! Cheap too!") without acknowledging that you are the sole proprietor of ABC inc. is bad form, breaks the guidelines, and may very well result in your being banned from the site entirely.
Speaking of bad form, the "more inside" portion of your question should have natural line breaks and not be formatted as a long, narrow column.
posted by bonheur at 2:07 AM on December 6, 2005
I realize that you do have a real question here, but the question reads like an employment advertisement and links directly to your business website. People on MetaFilter tend to have very little tolerance for self-promotion of any kind. Self-promotion disguised as a business recommendation ("I used ABC inc. to do that for me, they were awesome! Cheap too!") without acknowledging that you are the sole proprietor of ABC inc. is bad form, breaks the guidelines, and may very well result in your being banned from the site entirely.
Speaking of bad form, the "more inside" portion of your question should have natural line breaks and not be formatted as a long, narrow column.
posted by bonheur at 2:07 AM on December 6, 2005
PS: You say "I had to add my website incase readers are interested," even though your last self-linking AskMe post received a similarly critical response. In light of this unrepentant self-linking behavior, that post should probably be deleted (or at least the link removed) as well.
posted by bonheur at 2:11 AM on December 6, 2005
posted by bonheur at 2:11 AM on December 6, 2005
Whoah, I was going to give the benefit of the doubt, but this is the second offence? Blatant commercial self-promotion!
I say bring out the BAN HAMMER!
Just think, spooksie will have to pay a whole 'nother US$5. That will show him. ( :
posted by Dag Maggot at 2:18 AM on December 6, 2005
I say bring out the BAN HAMMER!
Just think, spooksie will have to pay a whole 'nother US$5. That will show him. ( :
posted by Dag Maggot at 2:18 AM on December 6, 2005
Response by poster: I can understand all your concerns, as MF wouldnt be a nice place if it was bombarded with advertisements.
But however even though it has my link to my website and email it is a question I need advice one.
Its a shame that I cant edit this post to remove any reference.
posted by spooksie at 2:19 AM on December 6, 2005
But however even though it has my link to my website and email it is a question I need advice one.
Its a shame that I cant edit this post to remove any reference.
posted by spooksie at 2:19 AM on December 6, 2005
I'm too sleepy to format a real post right now, but a took a quick tour through spooksie's posting history, and this appears to be the fourth time he's posted the same link to his business. In a couple of the cases he even pretends that it's not his business, and recommends it to someone as a company he used himself. Really tremendously uncool, spooksie. I expect you will probably be banned from the site come morning.
posted by bonheur at 2:23 AM on December 6, 2005
posted by bonheur at 2:23 AM on December 6, 2005
Save your wheedling pleas for mercy, spooksie. You knew exactly what you were doing with that post - I'm sure you've read some Guerilla Marketing Book, and thought this would be a good promotional tool.
And you were repeatedly told off in previous posts for your self promotion, so you know the guidelines.
There is no excuse, no mercy, no quarter to be given. Everyone pick up a single stone, and we'll meet at the edge of town.
posted by Dag Maggot at 2:32 AM on December 6, 2005
And you were repeatedly told off in previous posts for your self promotion, so you know the guidelines.
There is no excuse, no mercy, no quarter to be given. Everyone pick up a single stone, and we'll meet at the edge of town.
posted by Dag Maggot at 2:32 AM on December 6, 2005
Yeah, spooksie, you seem to be a twit.
But can you asplain something to me? Why pull this shit?
(I really want to know! I don't get why people poo in other people's living rooms, I just don't.)
posted by metaculpa at 2:32 AM on December 6, 2005
But can you asplain something to me? Why pull this shit?
(I really want to know! I don't get why people poo in other people's living rooms, I just don't.)
posted by metaculpa at 2:32 AM on December 6, 2005
Response by poster: Can you show me the policies page regarding posting links? Im interested.
posted by spooksie at 2:32 AM on December 6, 2005
posted by spooksie at 2:32 AM on December 6, 2005
Y'know, if I hadn't just started a new job I'd possibly consider taking you up on that 20% sales offer.
And even with the new job, I might have considered it as a sideline.
But now that the multiple self-linking has come to light, I question your ethics, and wonder if I'd ever even ever get paid.
Especially considering most freelance sales gigs pay you when you complete the sale, not when the order is completed and you've collected from the client. Salesperson does not equate to bill collector, production manager or order fulfillment.
And since you like self-linking so much, and yet you don't even go all the way and properly format an href tag to actually link to your site and at least get a little Google PageRank for your 5 bucks, I seriously question and doubt your web skills as well.
"Say hello to my little friend!"
posted by loquacious at 2:32 AM on December 6, 2005
And even with the new job, I might have considered it as a sideline.
But now that the multiple self-linking has come to light, I question your ethics, and wonder if I'd ever even ever get paid.
Especially considering most freelance sales gigs pay you when you complete the sale, not when the order is completed and you've collected from the client. Salesperson does not equate to bill collector, production manager or order fulfillment.
And since you like self-linking so much, and yet you don't even go all the way and properly format an href tag to actually link to your site and at least get a little Google PageRank for your 5 bucks, I seriously question and doubt your web skills as well.
"Say hello to my little friend!"
posted by loquacious at 2:32 AM on December 6, 2005
From the guidelines:
What makes a bad post to MetaFilter?
Posting a link to your homepage and asking for feedback is a bad post. Self-promotion isn't what this site is about. Self promotion can be "earned." If you consistently post thought-provoking comments or links on the site, people will click on your name to know you better. On the profile page, you can put your own URL and people can check that out. There are numerous cool pages done by the members of this site, click on a few people to explore.
Self-linking also appropriates the use of MetaFilter as your guestbook. If you just wrote a thought provoking piece and want to get feedback on it, try Blogger or Typepad, which allows you to add comment functionality and community interaction to your own site.
posted by Dag Maggot at 2:41 AM on December 6, 2005
What makes a bad post to MetaFilter?
Posting a link to your homepage and asking for feedback is a bad post. Self-promotion isn't what this site is about. Self promotion can be "earned." If you consistently post thought-provoking comments or links on the site, people will click on your name to know you better. On the profile page, you can put your own URL and people can check that out. There are numerous cool pages done by the members of this site, click on a few people to explore.
Self-linking also appropriates the use of MetaFilter as your guestbook. If you just wrote a thought provoking piece and want to get feedback on it, try Blogger or Typepad, which allows you to add comment functionality and community interaction to your own site.
posted by Dag Maggot at 2:41 AM on December 6, 2005
Response by poster: Oh my God! Trolling at its best!
Question my ethics.... Web skills slander.... You know how to ruin someone morale. Expecially the job which is keeping me off the dole.
If a normal person is interested in making money be sure to contact me, like I said this is 100% legit.
This is my exit, I no longer using MF consider it a victory to you. If this carrys on Im sure one of you will be banned for the comments.
Thanks MF whilst it lasted.
posted by spooksie at 2:42 AM on December 6, 2005
Question my ethics.... Web skills slander.... You know how to ruin someone morale. Expecially the job which is keeping me off the dole.
If a normal person is interested in making money be sure to contact me, like I said this is 100% legit.
This is my exit, I no longer using MF consider it a victory to you. If this carrys on Im sure one of you will be banned for the comments.
Thanks MF whilst it lasted.
posted by spooksie at 2:42 AM on December 6, 2005
Best answer: Wow - cool meltdown. All the best spooksie, and bon voyage.
posted by Dag Maggot at 2:47 AM on December 6, 2005
posted by Dag Maggot at 2:47 AM on December 6, 2005
This post reads like many of the spams that land in my mailbox, despite the request for "help."
"If a normal person is interested in making money be sure to contact me, like I said this is 100% legit."
The mail in my junk folder that says "I WANT TO TRANSFER THIS MONEY INTO A SAFE FOREIGN ACCOUNT ABROAD BUT I DON'T KNOW ANY FOREIGNER WHOM I CAN TRUST" claims to be 100% legit too. I don't believe them because they are spammers. Now you've spammed AskMeFi; why should we trust you?
posted by litlnemo at 2:58 AM on December 6, 2005
"If a normal person is interested in making money be sure to contact me, like I said this is 100% legit."
The mail in my junk folder that says "I WANT TO TRANSFER THIS MONEY INTO A SAFE FOREIGN ACCOUNT ABROAD BUT I DON'T KNOW ANY FOREIGNER WHOM I CAN TRUST" claims to be 100% legit too. I don't believe them because they are spammers. Now you've spammed AskMeFi; why should we trust you?
posted by litlnemo at 2:58 AM on December 6, 2005
Can't spell. Seems unable to understand proper use of the return key. Is a dick.
Employing spooksie to design websites sounds like a real opportunity.
posted by biffa at 2:59 AM on December 6, 2005
Employing spooksie to design websites sounds like a real opportunity.
posted by biffa at 2:59 AM on December 6, 2005
Awesome... I love that Dag Maggot got marked "Best answer".
No offense spooksie, but your "you guys are mean, I'm taking my toys and going home" attitude is pretty hollow sounding. You've been called out about self-linking MULTIPLE times in the past, and you even self-linked pretending that you WEREN'T self-linking, so why not just own up to it? "Ok guys, ya caught me..." sounds much better than "wah wah wah, Metafilter is MEAN"
posted by antifuse at 3:03 AM on December 6, 2005
No offense spooksie, but your "you guys are mean, I'm taking my toys and going home" attitude is pretty hollow sounding. You've been called out about self-linking MULTIPLE times in the past, and you even self-linked pretending that you WEREN'T self-linking, so why not just own up to it? "Ok guys, ya caught me..." sounds much better than "wah wah wah, Metafilter is MEAN"
posted by antifuse at 3:03 AM on December 6, 2005
like I said this is 100% legit.
Isn't it amazing how things that are actually legitimate never feel the need to claim so?
Goodbye spooksie, you won't be missed.
posted by grouse at 3:42 AM on December 6, 2005
Isn't it amazing how things that are actually legitimate never feel the need to claim so?
Goodbye spooksie, you won't be missed.
posted by grouse at 3:42 AM on December 6, 2005
Since this thread is bound for the Metafilter dungheap in the sky. I would now like to expound on my belief on why we all jump so hard on self-promoters. Ahem. Begin.
I think we get so mean about it because we secretly covet our own self-promotion. We're all dieing to point a finger at ourselves and scream "look at me! please?" And because we covet this and can't have it, we sure as hell can't stand the thought of any sneaky bastard having it instead of us.
Thank you. (crickets... sound of echoing footsteps leaving the podium).
posted by Dag Maggot at 4:00 AM on December 6, 2005
I think we get so mean about it because we secretly covet our own self-promotion. We're all dieing to point a finger at ourselves and scream "look at me! please?" And because we covet this and can't have it, we sure as hell can't stand the thought of any sneaky bastard having it instead of us.
Thank you. (crickets... sound of echoing footsteps leaving the podium).
posted by Dag Maggot at 4:00 AM on December 6, 2005
Dag Maggot writes "And because we covet this and can't have it, we sure as hell can't stand the thought of any sneaky bastard having it instead of us."
I think that is part of it - it is proper to the human nature that we find ourselves and what we do important and noteworthy and that we seek our peers approval or praise. And that is not even bad in itself. But an important aspect of preventing self-promotion in places like Mefi is about the protection of the "Commons". Since the site main goals are to propagate (and discuss) "the best of the Web" (Mefi) and help other solve their problems (Ask), allowing self-promotion would be counter-productive. Besides, there is always the hope that, if our respective personal interests are among "the best of the web", some other user will notice and publish it...
posted by nkyad at 6:07 AM on December 6, 2005
I think that is part of it - it is proper to the human nature that we find ourselves and what we do important and noteworthy and that we seek our peers approval or praise. And that is not even bad in itself. But an important aspect of preventing self-promotion in places like Mefi is about the protection of the "Commons". Since the site main goals are to propagate (and discuss) "the best of the Web" (Mefi) and help other solve their problems (Ask), allowing self-promotion would be counter-productive. Besides, there is always the hope that, if our respective personal interests are among "the best of the web", some other user will notice and publish it...
posted by nkyad at 6:07 AM on December 6, 2005
This thread is closed to new comments.
I could, of course, be mistaken.
posted by planetthoughtful at 1:19 AM on December 6, 2005