Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with commission

How to structure commission for non-sales employees?

quadog — Wed, 13 Aug 2008 11:22:57 -0800

What is a fair commission structure for non-sales people who bring in recurring work to a business when it's not covered by their initial employment contract? For various reasons, I may be bringing in a client to the design firm where I am currently working. The project(s) this client will have are too big and too demanding for one person to undertake solo. Work may begin with one item (a large website) and proliferate into other projects down the road (print, branding, etc.). Before I get the potential client to a "yes" I want to have clearly defined contract with my employer as to how commission will be handled now and into the future.

Understanding that "fair" is the most I can squeeze out of the arrangement, what is a good standard to proceed from? Should I ask for a percentage of every project that comes through the door? Should the percentage of the first project be large and subsequent projects be more diminished? Any ideas on what that percentage should be? I assume something should be added that would extend the commission beyond my employment status were I to leave the business?

Sales commission on found work and subsequent projects?

juggler — Mon, 21 Jul 2008 07:20:50 -0800

I am an independent tech contractor, about to pass some work onto my client, where I would be a part of the project's development team. What commission structure is typical? I am not a salesman, but I have found a project for the company I contract with. More projects could possibly follow if this one goes well. The company I contract with and I both agree that I should get some kind of commission for finding this work, but have no idea what percentage would typically be paid on this. Also, what about commissions on any following projects from same source? Would they be structured differently than the initial project's commission?

In my mind I have this vague idea that there should be one percentage for the initial project, and then a lower percentage on subsequent work, but I have no example of this to point to. Any advice or information would be appreciated.

You're going to pay me what?!

curlyelk — Tue, 22 Apr 2008 11:52:26 -0800

What are commission structures like for software sales reps? It would be a business to business environment and I would be 100% commission. Its an employee documentation software. Thanks in advance!

Am I being underpaid to sit in a little grey box?

Anonymous — Sun, 20 Apr 2008 12:29:32 -0800

How much should an online marketing manager be paid? With a base salary and a 100% trackable sales? Company description: Sell shippable custom widgets, which must be bought online.

Job description: Online Marketing Manager, recruit affiliates for our affiliate program. Find websites to advertise on that will convert to sales.

I know I'm leaving money on the table, I've only been there 3 months, but I think my value will be extremely high from a ROI perspective.

With analytic data we can track almost 100% of the sales that I will bring in directly to the site.

I'm only being paid salary currently, but I feel like there is a better payment equation based on my skills
and abilities (lower salary + commission). Is there a standard equation for something like this?

Are there websites that focus on on this particular question for my particular niche?

Do companies have a particular ROI for this particular position? Example they expect to make $2.5 profit for every dollar I'm paid.

Basically there are a lot of little questions that all equal up to the generic question that we all ask when it comes to working, am I receiving the proper compensation?

What to charge for a portrait?

frosty_hut — Tue, 29 Jan 2008 21:37:45 -0800

What to charge for art? A guy I work with saw a painting of mine, and requested a portrait of himself. I did it for him for free--partly because I needed the practice, and enjoyed getting the chance to get my stuff out there. Also, it seemed like it might lead to other things, given I work in an arts organization.

So my co-worker liked the painting, and so far so good: now he's hooking me up with other opportunities. He says the wife of a local mover-shaker might enjoy having a painting of himself as a surprise on his birthday. He's going to chat with the wife, and he anticipates she'll ask for a ballpark figure for the proposed piece.

I've never done anything on commission, and frankly haven't sold much of my work. I don't really know what things go for, but I'm figuring I might as for $250 for a smaller piece, and $400 or $500 for a larger one (I don't know the canvas sizes by inches, but a large one would be not quite as large as a large-screen television. The long side would be 35 to 40 inches, I guess. God I'm lame!)

Anyway, I'm wondering what you would charge for an acrylic or oil portrait in a larger size. I'm relatively new at this stuff, and not well-known even locally as an artist. I'm uncomfortable with the money aspect of this whole thing. My DH says I should go for it--these people can well afford higher prices, etc. Advice from artists--and anyone else who wants to chime in--appreciated!

How to deal with salespeople who work on commission?

Morrigan — Sun, 27 Jan 2008 17:46:06 -0800

What is the etiquette of dealing with commission (commissioned?) salespeople? When buying a household appliance or other item sold by salespeople who seem to work on commission, what is required/expected? Do I need to give my sale to the first person who approaches me? What if I want to look around first or come back later after doing research? If a salesperson is not in the next day but urges me to call their cell phone, do I need to do so? Frankly, this sales system makes me uncomfortable; any tips are appreciated.

Deposit required before work is begun...

dpcoffin — Mon, 24 Dec 2007 18:01:33 -0800

One of my clients insists that NO businesses expect to be paid up front, even in part, before beginning work... ...and she’s challenging me to show her any reasonable business person who is willing to pay “in advance” for pretty much anything. The best I can come up with are a few comments on web-design forums and some custom-instrument makers and other artists and crafts-people who work by commission. I’m looking for something a bit more compelling and easily demonstrated; you know, the one-liner argument-stopper that can’t be claimed to be a special-case, individual instance...

So, ARE there any big-time, every-day, basic industries in which a deposit up front is Standard Operating Procedure? What’s that obvious thing I’m forgetting?

Who will print and sell my photobooks and pay me commission?

granma — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 10:31:42 -0800

I want to produce photobooks for sale. I would like to upload them to a printing site where others can go and see them and purchase them without further reference to me. They would deal directly with the printer. But I would like to receive a commission from the printer for each one sold. Does anyone know of a printer of photobooks who would provide this service or of a way I can achieve my objective?

My First Commission.

fnord — Fri, 07 Dec 2007 07:04:09 -0800

I’ve been commissioned to take a photograph. Their subject, my “vision”. I’m a student/aspiring pro photographer. I’ve had a few paid gigs, a gallery, and a small show.
I’ve already got a license/payment system in place for weddings, portraits, events, etc, but this one is a little new on me. I’ve calculated my cost of doing business, so I know my general day. I also know the theory of not pricing yourself so low that you’d never be able to make a living at what you’re doing. The idea is to make this my professional line of work.

Some one has commissioned a piece of art. The commissioner really likes my style, but this isn’t a cold call. They work with my sister. I could stand to get a lot more business from her, but I don’t want to set poor expectations that I’m going to be a $50 per assignment photographer.

How much do I charge?

Tips for commissioning a painting?

jmstephan — Tue, 06 Nov 2007 09:00:24 -0800

Tips for commissioning a painting? We are considering commissioning a painting of our children from a friend. Aside from nailing down the obvious details of price, size, media, and time, is there anything we should be certain to consider and/or discuss with the artist?

How can you maintain your NASD licenses once leaving your firm?

lawstudent09 — Sat, 06 Oct 2007 09:55:34 -0800

NASD licenses (specifically series 7 & 63) requires company sponsorship to obtain. Once obtained, you need company sponsorship to maintain the licenses. Is there a company who will maintain your licenses for you while you are not working in the financial industry? Perhaps for a fee on top of the annual registration costs? I believe you have two years from separation with your employer to obtain a new sponsor.

Paying a real estate agent I never buy through

Capri — Wed, 12 Sep 2007 19:23:56 -0800

I'm working with real estate agents in three cities I am considering relocating to. I will only buy through one of them, obviously. Should I tip the other two? I've asked these three agents to do a fair bit of work for me -- finding houses I would be interested in that meet my specific criteria (criteria I can't specify in the online search engines); telling me about the three cities (they're all on the other side of the country); spending a day or two with me showing me the city and several houses so that I can evaluate what a specific job offer in each city would actually buy me.

Should I give the two that I don't use a tip (for lack of a better word)? A gift certificate to a nice restaurant? How much? Should the value of the tip be related to the value of the houses I am looking at (i.e. bigger tip if I am looking at expensive houses)?

Thanks.

Best 9-11 'Conspiracy' Book?

jjsonp — Tue, 14 Aug 2007 07:47:16 -0800

Best 9-11 'Conspiracy Theory' book for the skeptic? Like many people, I have been following the 9-11 story since soon after it occurred. Also like many people, I am aware of so many holes in the 'official conspiracy theory'/9-11 commission report that I'm consistently amazed anyone still believes a word of it (and I'm not looking to argue, so if you are a believer that's fine and this question is not directed at you).

I have a couple of friends who are still believers but are also logical and rather than send them some links I know they'll never read I'd like to find a decent book by a legitimate author which does a good job summarizing the impossibility of the official story, particularly with regards to NORAD, timeline inconsistencies, lying by the administration, etc.

The controlled demolition vs. jet fuel + pancake theory is of less interest to me as I feel it's more difficult to prove, but if a good summary of the inconsistencies there is included that would be preferable.

David Ray Griffin (and which one?)? Jim Marrs? I'm looking for recommendations by people who have read multiple books on the topic. Thanks!

Is there a way for my boss to screw me out of my $$

TwilightKid — Thu, 09 Nov 2006 14:28:23 -0800

I work for a magazine publishing company, and I think I am making a lateral move to another company which offers more upside potential in the future. I get a base salary, but most of my income comes from commission. The company I work for is relatively small, a LLC, and I dont think there are any $$ problems. My boss however is somewhat of a tyrant. My concern in leaving is that he will try and find a way to stiff me out of any remaining due commission to me. It is currently and ranges around 20k, in which he owes me, and pays me off in increments per paycheck. When I started here, we had put the agreement down on paper...(more) But he is a very spiteful guy. It's a one way loyalty street. We worship him. he treats us like trash....But thats not really the point...

I know I have to, and am currently gonna seek advice from a employment lawyer, but just curious to see if anyone has any idea's on how he could go about finding justification to not pay me my remaining money?

In a nutshell. I do my job well, I work my required hours. I am the usually the top sales performer month to month...I did y job on the up and up and they will find no skeletons when I leave.

but i still have this fear....

thanks

Agent appreciation

np312 — Thu, 07 Sep 2006 12:33:18 -0800

How can I appropriately go the extra mile to show my literary agent (and his assistant) how much I appreciate their hard work? Besides the obvious answer: by making them money. So far I've been with my agent for two and a half years, and only recently has my career begun to take off. Up until now I've only made the agency a few thousand dollars total in commission, but in a couple months it looks like (due to a couple upcoming script sales) I will finally be making their decision to represent me financially worthwhile.

Here's the thing: I really like my agent and his assistant, and I'm always good at verbally expressing my appreciation for the constant work they are doing on my behalf. But I'm wondering whether I should be doing anything gift-wise to thank them, (besides just the standard 10%.) For example, when they wrap up the sales on these scripts, should I send them a nice bottle of wine, or would that be too little/too much?

One last thing: last year my agent submitted me for a fellowship that I would never have thought to apply to, and when I won it I got a -substantial- amount of money, which he didn't take a commission out of since it was a grant. In thanks I bought him a very thoughtful present in the $200 range, but I don't know whether I should have done more, or should do more in the future. I'm really not sure what is expected of a writer by their agent and what is or is not appropriate. If it makes any difference, he and I speak almost every day and he does a tremendous amount of work on my behalf, but our relationship is very formal in a way. It would be really uncomfortable for me to ask him this question straight out.

How much to commission a painting of a logo?

greatgefilte — Thu, 06 Jul 2006 22:20:17 -0800

How much should we expect to pay for an artist to create our logo on canvas? We're redecorating our facility here in Toronto, and part of that includes commissioning an artist to execute a 24" x 30" oil painting based on our logo. (We do work in genetics, so it includes some chromosome-type thingy and lots of DNA 'letters')

Assuming we want a pretty faithful representation of the logo (not too much interpretation, per the boss's orders), how much are we looking at? Any recommendations for artists who take commissions in the GTA?