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Our shop is looking at the possibility of hiring a sales rep. I was just wondering if anybody here currently uses, or has ever used, a sales rep. Did you pay based on commission or salary? Any info is appreciated. Thanks.
------------------ Joe Endicott Graphic Arts Gulf Breeze, FL jelzic@networktel.net
Posts: 681 | From: Virginia Beach, VA USA | Registered: Mar 1999
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I just run the shop, not the business so I don't know diddley about what our rep. is paid but she brings in quite a bit of work ... almost too much at times. If you can handle the extra load (trade more producing time for more selling time)I'd say go for it (with the right person). Ours started her own "tip club" of sales people and goes after the bigger corporate accounts with gusto. I haven't had time to breathe in like three years. (two bosses and a sales girl selling over me and two good workers and a schmuck producing under ... so stressed for so long I don't even care)
just MAKE SHURE they know the rules of when to promise job delivery dates
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I'm a small shop just starting out, to the side of a larger existing business, and here is how I am handling it. Their are a lot of commissioned salesmen out there (insurance reps, gift reps, even billboard company reps, etc.) all working on commissions. Many of them work on various commission rates, but 10% is what I offer. They are not that difficult to convince, since all I'm looking for is the lead. I will create the work, plan the project and collect the money. There is a 300.00 commission in a 3000.00 sign and this lights their eyes up. These reps are with their clients each day/all day,(sometimes a very large customer base) so its usually just something else for them to rattle about to their customer. The attractive points to this method: No more employee expense, You can employ as many as you want at a fixed commission, they don't complain, require very little training if you have the right brochures for them, and are much cheaper as you cannot keep a salesman for 10%......I use, a liqour salesman, a food rep, a gift rep, a custom cabinet maker, I have got 2 nice jobs (over 5OOO.OO) from them in the last month. I plan to add as many as I need to keep my shop busy. These reps are an easy sell on this because in most cases it is more profitable for them than their present tasks, and they are out their where they can see the needs........Bronzeo
------------------ Jack Davis 1410 Main St Joplin, MO 64801 www.imagemakerart.com bronzeo@prodigy.net http://www.imagemakerart.com
Posts: 1549 | From: Joplin, MO | Registered: Mar 2000
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I have some one who telemarkets for me, works out pretty well and most people are not offended since it is a very low pressure "introducing our company call" to businesses. She then follows up with people on the phone who stated interest and tries to set appoinments for me. I pay minimum wage and 7% commision. I would like to have a complete outside sales person to free up my time to making the signs!
------------------ Brian Stoddard Expressions Signs A few puddles east of Seattle
Posts: 790 | From: Redmond, WA | Registered: Nov 1998
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We are a small shop offering everything from standard signage to 3M Scotchprint, and we started almost from the beginning with a sales rep. Best move we could have made. I already knew him from the Scotchprint side of the industry and he has brought a ton of contacts with him. He still works as a commisioned broker for one of the Digital Printshops in Seattle, but now he can offer cut vinyl and just about any kind of signs he wants to. If you can snag someone in the industry don't discount the related contacts that come with them. If they're friends with the local 3M rep., you can end up with alot of referrals from him too. I pay straight commission. 10% for most items, a little higher for vinyl cut graphics that we don't need to install. I would also recommend joining your local Chamber of Commerce if you haven't already, and check into what they have available for leads. Our local Chamber has all sorts of good inexpensive marketing things you can do.
------------------ Sean Starr highlandesign 253-435-4853 highlandesign@wa.freei.net
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