Tell me what I'm missing!!

[Aliviasmom]

I'm having my second interview today for a sales job. If I work in department A, I will be making a base pay plus commission. Department B will pay me in just commission. I feel that I know department B better, and would be better able to sell to customers from department B. Here's what I'm looking at:

Department A:
* Sells things that are not neccessities...something that a decent percentage of the population here does not even own.
* Base wage + commission (not sure of numbers)
* Technology in this department changes frequently and I think it would be harder to keep up with what is "best"

Department B:
* Sells things that ARE neccessities...things that I'm sure EVERYONE here has
* Solely commission (about 15-20%)
* Although technology changes here too, older products are not obsolete



Now, if I get the job, I'm not sure I would have a say over which department. However, I REALLY want department B. My mom and my bf are both telling me not to take that one, but like I mentioned above, it's neccessities. I also feel like I understand the products in department B better and would be better able to sell these to customers.

Here's what I THINK, since I've never worked commission before:

Yes, there may be a day or two or three that I don't sell something. But what are the chances they will keep me around if I sell NOTHING in a two week period?! In order to make what I've been living off of for the last 2 years, I would have to sell one item. ONE. Per month. (And yes, that's after taxes are taken out.)

Am I crazy for thinking that I can work in department B and be able to survive? Even in this economy?

PLEASE tell me what you think!!

[irie i]

I'd say do what you are more comfortable with. If you really only have to sell just ONE product to survive, go for it! I worked in retail for years and I never took a job that was commission-based only because the idea of not having any idea what I would be making scared the life out of me...it still does! It is possible that I missed many opportunities to make more than I did but the security of knowing that I was going to work AT LEAST 40 hours a week making a set amount worked out better for me.

Ask them a lot of questions...ask how many items the average AND the less successful/newer employees sell. Of course you want to exceed those sales but you should prepare yourself in the event that sales aren't as good as you hope. Good luck! I think that going with what makes you most comfortable will benefit you in the long run.

Just remember to be AMAZING at customer service so you can get those repeat guests! Even if what you are selling isn't likely to get repeat customers...they will tell a friend and hopefully share your name...and there you go - possible money in your pocket without you even trying. Take your time with them...one of my experiences in retail was as a customer service manager. The salespeople were commission-based and, sadly, we lost a lot of customers because the sales managers and sales people were SO focused on making money that they neglected customers who took their time or wanted to shop around. We lost so many sales that way!

[Aliviasmom]

I LOVE customer service! I have worked pretty much worked only customer service jobs in the 10 years I've been working. My customers always love me and I make sure they are always happy when I leave...to the best of my ability!

I know I won't be making a SET amount each paycheck, but I know I can maintain my current state of living...if not increase it.

Thank you for your reply!!

[Garden~Lover]

in this economy... AAAAAA

LOL at least you would have a set wage, you are guarenteed a pay check. I work in retail, I sell things that are not nessasary(well some stuff anyways). People ask me all the time. I dont sell things like computers, electronics or that type of things. The stuff I sell is pretty much common sense and if you dont know you if you need 3 sheets or 4 well then ...

If you really do want B I would ask if there is any fine print if you dont sell anything in a certain amount of time, what other tasks you will have to do. Will that be ok if you have other things you have to do and you dont sell anything and dont get a pay check?