Timeframe Of payment for salesmen

Hey guys, I am working for a roofing company in the dallas area and so far all the owner has done for me is bought me a ladder and some business cards and said go get them. I am paid strictly on commission but the kicker here is I don't get paid until the final check comes in. and since we are dealing with insurance primarily I could potentially not get paid for a month. Is this right? I am a college student working down here for the summer so right now my cash flow is way to the negative all because it is entirely commission with NO other compensation. Am I getting screwed???????

jdmerchant23 Said: Hey guys, I am working for a roofing company in the dallas area and so far all the owner has done for me is bought me a ladder and some business cards and said go get them.

What a tragedy! My first roofing job was also a summer job in the Dallas area while going to college. I was provided a ladder, given a hammer, and told to tear that roof off of that house- all for the whopping recompense of $2.50 an hour.

Many roofing companies make advance payments toward the commissions of the sold jobs. the salesmen need the money to buy gas etc. so they can do their job during the time between the sale and the collection of the check.

Reminds me of that Steve Miller song "Take the money and run" but I keep hearing "Take the ladder and run" in my head though.

I pay myself weekly, well weakly in the winter. Never needed or wanted a sales critter. Good luck!

Your right about that twill, however I wasn't speaking of experience needed. It sounds like the kid may have just started the job and only has 2-3 months to work it. He may have to wait 30 plus days to get paid and when he goes back to school, he may not receive any further compensation even though more of his sales and jobs completed may come in than what came in while he was there working the job. If you can't find anything else, I guess you do what you gotta do but I would try to get out of that situation. Somebody's gonna end up with the shaft and it won't be the storm chasing outfit with offices located nation wide. He just started the job and is already concerned about receiving his money. And for good reason. :huh:

Since your a college student and only in the area for the summer, I recommend that you find another job. It takes time to build up roofing sales and when you leave at the end of the summer you will be leaving the benefits of all that work you did behind. Give the guy back his ladder and cards, then tell him to have a nice life. :ohmy:

I would say that there are a number of nuances here:

1. I agree with the question about your contract...what did you agree to? 2. This is a competitive market and you have the right to walk if you don't like it. 3. You should only be responsible for what is in your control. Do you control collections? if yes...then maybe you should...if not then I'd bitch. 4. You can always work to change the agreement. How about telling the boss, you want .5% kicker per day for each day after 30 days the job is done?

Todd

http://www.emeraldstate.com

Welcome to Texas! He is giving you more than most. When I started selling roofs back in the 90's I was provided a truck, gas card, and three leads a day and I either sold or starved. I thought that was normal. When I became a licensed roofing contractor and went into business for myself, I did the same. When I sold my company and moved to Texas... OMG!! It's an entirely different market and pay structure.

As a salesperson you take all the risks, your time, expenses and the money to generate the leads... I learned the hard way. I did a lot of research after being burned and now run all my work through one vetted company. My leads come in from my website and I bring the roofing company to the party. Depending on the size of the job (most of mine are commercial), I get part of my commission up front.

I would find a company that gives you a draw against commission if they are not willing to do that. Walk!