What are the laws regarding commision only roles?

[Tunafish]

Hi all,

I've been unemployed since the end of December and I've been getting offered jobs which are commision only, these jobs don't even offer a basic salary. I wondered what the legalities are over commision only jobs? What happens if I took one of these jobs but didn't perform well, surely I'm entitled to at least minimum wage?

Thanks.

[Feldon]

These are self-employed roles and you do not get holiday pay or any sick pay or any of the normal employee perks, however you are your own boss and can work your own hours, earnings are uncapped as you they are linked to what you sell and you can take holdiays when you want. You could also take on more than one of these roles depending on how much of your time they would take up.

[mobyme]

Hi all,

I've been unemployed since the end of December and I've been getting offered jobs which are commision only, these jobs don't even offer a basic salary. I wondered what the legalities are over commision only jobs? What happens if I took one of these jobs but didn't perform well, surely I'm entitled to at least minimum wage?

Thanks.

No unfortunately not. You are not being offered a job. Your are being offered the opportunity to act as an agent for these companies as you will find out if you accept; you will almost certainly be asked to sign a sales agent agreement. Some companies are very good and provide excellent sales training. Many agents earn excellent money but it is not something for the faint hearted.

[MH1]

What happens if I took one of these jobs but didn't perform well, surely I'm entitled to at least minimum wage?


The above comment suggests that you are not prepared for such a position to myself, most people are not. The first thing you need to understand in commission only roles is you are on your own, you stand or fall by your own efforts.

Weigh up the opportunity and don't be afraid to negotiate, if you have a talent for the position you become a valuable asset, I used to pay my guys money upfront to get them started if they had a proven background, since most commission only guys live hand to mouth and rarely have money behind them, but the advance was deducted from earnings.

It's a tough life, but it is possible to earn big money with the right opportunities, that said most are a wate of time IMO. Don't get sucked into subsidising a poor offering with your time, labour and petrol.