Damn,does anyone want to work anymore

[nzoner 939]

I've owned a monthly direct mail advertising booklet for 21 years now and as of Feb 1st we were fortunate enough to land the #1 grocer in our market HY-Vee as they dropped our daily paper and switched exclusively to direct mail which also meant we had to become a weekly publication.For the past 6 months I've been doing all the cold calling,sales,etc.

 

I've been advertising for sales help wanted and haven't had but a couple of nibbles and then it's,"oh you mean I have to leave the office and go thru business owners' doors and make cold calls?"

 

In the past year I've interviewed a few people and made the following two proposals and was hoping for some feedback from sales managers and/or reps on your thoughts on them.

 

#1 $1600 month salary,20% commission,opportunity for health insurance after 90 days,a gas allowance,company cell phone and laptop.

 

#2 Commission only on the following set-up

A.1st $3000 sold rep gets 100%

B.2nd $3000 sold rep gets 75%

C.3rd $3000 sold rep gets 50%

D.4th $3000 sold rep gets 25% and then stays on 25% from there on plus all from #1 except the salary.

 

Anyhow just looking for thoughts,new ideas,etc. as I've read enough on here over the years to know even though a lot of us can be real smartasses there's also some good quality feedback.

 

Thanks.

[Riddlen 1]

cocaine and hookers. hth.

[Recliner Pilot 61]

Option #3: Pay people for 99 weeks to sit on their arse. That's what the unemployed have been conditioned to expect these days.

[Phurfur 70]

People in the USA don't have to work so why would they? You don't even have to be a citizen.

[edjr 6,898]

Option #3: Pay people for 99 weeks to sit on their arse. That's what the unemployed have been conditioned to expect these days.

 

what about after the 99 weeks?

 

also, 60% of my salary would be nice for free for 99 weeks, i certainly dont want to pay the taxes on it and have no insurance.

 

I collected before, it sucks and it's no way to live. of course that was back in 2002. 9/11

[Recliner Pilot 61]

what about after the 99 weeks?

 

also, 60% of my salary would be nice for free for 99 weeks, i certainly dont want to pay the taxes on it and have no insurance.

 

I collected before, it sucks and it's no way to live

 

 

Quite frankly, if you can't find some sort of job in 99 weeks I don't give a ratsass if you end up on the street after that. I was laid off during this recession and had a job within a week. Granted, I wasn't making anywhere near what I was before, but I didn't go on the dole and it made me more attractive to my current employer. Not too many people are gonna be gung-ho about hiring someone who just spent 99 weeks doing nothing.

[edjr 6,898]

Quite frankly, if you can find some sort of job in 99 weeks I don't give a ratsass if you end up on the street after that. I was laid off during this recession and had a job within a week. Granted, I wasn't making anywhere near what I was before, but I didn't go on the dole and it made me more attractive to my current employer. Not too many people are gonna be gung-ho about hiring someone who just spent 99 weeks doing nothing.

 

agreed.

 

But you're acting as if anyone can get unemployment for 99 weeks. That is anything but true.

[Phurfur 70]

what about after the 99 weeks?

 

 

 

After 99 weeks of unemployment you are SOL. I would not hire anyone who collected 99 weeks of unemployment. and have not talked to one manager who said they would. I look for people that want to "work", not people that want a job (paycheck). The unemployment extensions has weeded out this part of the work force. Thanks Barry.

[Phurfur 70]

agreed.

 

But you're acting as if anyone can get unemployment for 99 weeks. That is anything but true.

Please expand on that. Why do people get turned down for their unemployment extensions?

 

I have been given the impression that if you qualified for unemployment and were laid off before a certain date you will get 99 weeks. Any input will be appreciated.

[bob_probert_2000 1]

nzoner,

 

I am a National Sales Manager for our company and it is tough to get good sales people.

 

First, I think you have to have the right ad- that is fundamental. Post yours here for us to critique.

 

If I was Joe Salesguy looking, my first question to you would be what does the average of new sales per year minus Hi-V look like for the last 3 years?

 

What are your expectations for sales?

How long to close?

What is the typical close rate %?

 

How much phone time, how much field time is most effective?

 

Also, where are you advertising? Monster and CB? Once again the ad info is critical and i have had some success getting good people to come in and not feel like the job is a pyramid.

[Phurfur 70]

nzoner,

 

I am a National Sales Manager for our company and it is tough to get good sales people.

 

First, I think you have to have the right ad- that is fundamental. Post yours here for us to critique.

 

If I was Joe Salesguy looking, my first question to you would be what does the average of new sales per year minus Hi-V look like for the last 3 years?

 

What are your expectations for sales?

How long to close?

What is the typical close rate %?

 

How much phone time, how much field time is most effective?

 

Also, where are you advertising? Monster and CB? Once again the ad info is critical and i have had some success getting good people to come in and not feel like the job is a pyramid.

 

 

Back on topic

[edjr 6,898]

Please expand on that. Why do people get turned down for their unemployment extensions?

 

I have been given the impression that if you qualified for unemployment and were laid off before a certain date you will get 99 weeks. Any input will be appreciated.

 

Correct. You would have to have earned it, to collect it.

 

Not just any shmoe can call and start collecting unemployment benefits. Which is what was being implied.

[Blitzen 1]

I've owned a monthly direct mail advertising booklet for 21 years now and as of Feb 1st we were fortunate enough to land the #1 grocer in our market HY-Vee as they dropped our daily paper and switched exclusively to direct mail which also meant we had to become a weekly publication.For the past 6 months I've been doing all the cold calling,sales,etc.

 

I've been advertising for sales help wanted and haven't had but a couple of nibbles and then it's,"oh you mean I have to leave the office and go thru business owners' doors and make cold calls?"

 

In the past year I've interviewed a few people and made the following two proposals and was hoping for some feedback from sales managers and/or reps on your thoughts on them.

 

#1 $1600 month salary,20% commission,opportunity for health insurance after 90 days,a gas allowance,company cell phone and laptop.

 

#2 Commission only on the following set-up

A.1st $3000 sold rep gets 100%

B.2nd $3000 sold rep gets 75%

C.3rd $3000 sold rep gets 50%

D.4th $3000 sold rep gets 25% and then stays on 25% from there on plus all from #1 except the salary.

 

Anyhow just looking for thoughts,new ideas,etc. as I've read enough on here over the years to know even though a lot of us can be real smartasses there's also some good quality feedback.

 

Thanks.

 

On option 1, is it 20% commission on any contract? On the first year of the contract only or its duration? If Hi-Vee renews down the road does he/she get anything for a renewal? I've seen contract arrangements where new business brings a premium for the sales rep.

[nzoner 939]

nzoner,

 

I am a National Sales Manager for our company and it is tough to get good sales people.

 

First, I think you have to have the right ad- that is fundamental. Post yours here for us to critique.

 

If I was Joe Salesguy looking, my first question to you would be what does the average of new sales per year minus Hi-V look like for the last 3 years?

 

What are your expectations for sales?

How long to close?

What is the typical close rate %?

 

How much phone time, how much field time is most effective?

 

Also, where are you advertising? Monster and CB? Once again the ad info is critical and i have had some success getting good people to come in and not feel like the job is a pyramid.

 

Bob,appreciate the feedback.

 

Without posting my ad I can tell you that I believe I've come to the conclusion that I'm in a smaller struggling Missouri city within 50 miles of Kansas City and anyone really worth anything in this area is either very set with where they are locally and/or working in KC and making the commute.In fact,I think it's time to start advertising outside of my area and seeing that you do this would appreciate some tips on a good ad if you have the time.

 

As for your other questions I don't have the time to get into everything but my last great sales rep was a former radio rep who was with me 6 months and doing outstanding and making great money.Unfortunately an out-of-state radio station found him and offered him a GM spot which he jumped at even though I was willing to pay more because as he put it,his first love was radio.My latest sales rep no longer with me as of 6 months ago started off well and believe it or not got involved with a long time wealthy client of ours and once she had him hooked(he even divorced his wife)her attitude etc. went straight to shiot and I had to turn up the heat which in turn made her quit and she has not worked since.Without explaining further I think you can connect the dots on the rest of the story but let's just say once she was gone I found out things from businesses she was working with that made me ill but that's another thread.

 

Anyhow the last 3 years has pretty much been nzoner in the field on the phone etc. and sales overall before HY-Vee are in the $400,000 range with new sales making up about 1/2 of that.

 

As of right now my expectations for sales has lowered because I'm getting frustrated and desperate,I've got a damn quality product just need that individual who wants to be a business within a business if you will.Right now if I could find a person who could even bring in an additional 8 to 10 grand a month I'd be extatic.

 

Closing time varies I've seen it happen in less than an hour with a smaller local business to the time it took me 3 years to land the Pizza Hut account and have now had them for 10+ years.

 

Sorry,I just got a message and have to get to work,hope this sheds a little light and any other opinions and or ideas you may have is greatly appreciated

[nzoner 939]

On option 1, is it 20% commission on any contract? On the first year of the contract only or its duration? If Hi-Vee renews down the road does he/she get anything for a renewal? I've seen contract arrangements where new business brings a premium for the sales rep.

 

Going to reply quickly,20% on any agreement for the duration,be it 3 months or 3 years.Any and all renewals the same.

[bob_probert_2000 1]

I think you'll need to cater your ad to three things

 

Small privately held company in business x years (implies it is not a fly by night pyramid)

Expects a hard working sales person to top x in sales with hard work, xx if you work your ass off.

Includes: salary, car allowance, etc

 

Do you focus on KC or the small town you are in? I would think if your clients are KCity based, run your ad in KCity. How often do you expect the rep to be in the office at your place? Good sales people don't need to be micro managed, so you might want to consider them having a home office if not already your plan0- just be clear on your expectations and I HIGHLY recommend a sales program like act so you can review activity as needed.

[BudBro 183]

so, if they bring in 10K, they get $2000, plus the $1600? so, $3500 with new business?

 

add to that monthly renewals?

 

what can someone really expect to make? $4000 a month?

 

not bad if that's true, but not for a kick a$$ sales person in a city. newbies maybe, but they will burn a bunch of leads in the process.

 

is it an opportunity that could get them $60k or more?

 

do you do the ads? or do the businesses have to do their own copywriting and artwork?

 

do you use "call to action" methods? that will provide better results to the business and the salesperson will have better conversion rates.

[Mungwater 601]

I'm a sales rep in Houston. My sales top about 6 million a year, we get paid off Margins not overall dollars, so I never really know how much I make in bonuses until the check comes.

 

I will say that this job seems good for a beginner, but they're going to have to have a draw or something for a while. That $1600 dollar a month salary isn't going to go very far.

 

Maybe thats why you aren't able to keep talent? I like to know that the bonuses/commissions are there, but if I have a bad month or decision maker change, I'd hate to only bring 1600 in for everything.

[nzoner 939]

I think you'll need to cater your ad to three things

 

Small privately held company in business x years (implies it is not a fly by night pyramid)

Expects a hard working sales person to top x in sales with hard work, xx if you work your ass off.

Includes: salary, car allowance, etc

 

Do you focus on KC or the small town you are in? I would think if your clients are KCity based, run your ad in KCity. How often do you expect the rep to be in the office at your place? Good sales people don't need to be micro managed, so you might want to consider them having a home office if not already your plan0- just be clear on your expectations and I HIGHLY recommend a sales program like act so you can review activity as needed.

 

To this point I've focused on my town only and a good self disciplined/motivated rep doesn't need to be in the office much,however,in my business there is a lot of working with ad agencies/corporate marketing which means numerous e-mails/phone calls while still being able to call on local businesses in person.

[nzoner 939]

so, if they bring in 10K, they get $2000, plus the $1600? so, $3500 with new business?

 

add to that monthly renewals?

 

what can someone really expect to make? $4000 a month?

 

not bad if that's true, but not for a kick a$$ sales person in a city. newbies maybe, but they will burn a bunch of leads in the process.

 

is it an opportunity that could get them $60k or more?

 

do you do the ads? or do the businesses have to do their own copywriting and artwork?

 

do you use "call to action" methods? that will provide better results to the business and the salesperson will have better conversion rates.

 

$3500 would be correct,however,let's say that rep closes the likes of a large chain that does free standing inserts on a weekly basis which would generally average $8000 a month.That's $1600 on one client with very little servicing after the sale because said client prints and delivers FSI directly to our mail house.

 

For the right person who is motivated $60k would be very doable,for example if I as the owner/sales manager was on the same pay scale I'm offering I'd be grossing right at $140k yearly.

 

As for the local ads,yes,myself and my reps have the responsibility of meeting with the clients and getting ad info and doing a rough layout to give to the graphics department to design from there and then personally taking a finished proof to said client for approval.