SalesHQ

I have come across a job opportunity working for a local network TV station, selling advertising to local businesses. However, the job is 100% commission. Is this type of compensation standard in the TV ad sales industry? I was under the impression most jobs like this would have a base salary and then a commission package on top of that. And from what I can gather from the salary and commission resources on this site, it looks like most advertising salespeople do in fact have a base salary.

I'm not having much luck finding any other kind of job right now though and I currently don't have many expenses since I've recently graduated and have moved back home, so I'm thinking about taking the job. But at the same time, I don't want to get shortchanged when it comes to compensation. Thanks for any input.

Thanks for the reply, Rich. I agree it is a great opportunity since I don't stand to lose much even if it doesn't work out. My only concern right now is if the compensation is fair. I'm not sure if commission only is the norm for jobs in the ad sales industry or not.

I'm not sure I'm following you on the whole put myself into debt thing, but I do get what you're saying about pushing myself. Wise words, indeed.

Up here in Canada the 100% commission is how it is for some stations. I had a friend who did quite well.  But she had to be a super social butterfly and that took alot of time from family, but in the end it was worth it for her.  I think if you have the confidence, drive and persistance and never give up you would do fine.  You won't know until you try. We don't try to fail, we fail to try, is that not the old saying.

I would give it a whirl if it were something I was into. What the hey!

lol, see, what did I tell you.  There is money in what you want to do, you just have to want it bad enough.

This job is 20% commission as well. I accepted the position a few hours ago so I'll see if I have what it takes. Excited to finally start my career (I've been out of college since May 2008) and looking forward to the challenge. Thanks for everyone's input.

Dan,  Goood Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  I hope things work out well and that you sell, sell, sell!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jack~~~~~~~~~~  We are a small station.  only 4 people work here on a permanent basis.   We have had other sales people come and go (maybe due to the commission only status) ??  We are not on cable so that makes it more difficutlt for us to compete.  we did just go digital with our 4 channels so that will help. ( I think )     We do LIve shows at noon on M-W-F  Which guests are supposed to pay for a segment but not all do esp if they are non-profit.  Ron doesn't charge non-Profits.  Ron ( the GM) works as producer/ director and alll around everything else~~~tech. dir/ Sales Manager etc.    If you have input  pls  Bring it on!!!!!!!!!  I know I could use and would appreciate it.

Dan...

well, I don't know if this is the best advice...  a job with Little or noconsequences is most likely to produce little or no results... what experience will he have to show with his next job?

  Here are the benefits to taking this job.

Any experience and opportunity  is GREAT. The no consequences is concerning it is a no lose situation for Dan. The worst that he comes out of this experience  is  more and better with knowledge . He will learn how to cold call, preparation, sales presentation,learn to ask  important questions. Learn goal setting and how to reach the goals. Learn limitations and increase potential .There are all kinds of benefits to this job and being young.I beleive that i read each person has a min. of ten jobs during thier life.

 Let u take a few moments to take a look at the benefits that can go on a resume and what you did to improve your circumstance. Did I mention that now you have experience in sales.

  Compensation is not the only thing to consider looking at a job opportunity. The amount you wish to earn depends on how much you are willing to give of yourself.

  Concerning  the intangibles a weak ego allows those items to fester.Confidence and respect is built with learning more taking more responsibility for your actions. I am not sure anyone suggested to be in debt. No one said you cannot be motivated that is a must and is required to become motivated and stay at the top of your game.No one is suggesting that this is your one and only job opportunity. If you are 50 and asking  this question the answer would be different however I thought you were early 20's and this is a wonderful opportunity to learn and grow.

 How does this job help the applicant  in the future is a must ask question.