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.

theroofmedic Said: Welcome to Texas! He is giving you more than most. When I started selling roofs back in the 90s 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!! Its 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!

I find it ironic that this group loves to boast about exposing fly-by-nights, exposing those with no insurance, exposing those low ballers who ignore building codes, then they look the other way when one of our own blatantly violates statute/law.

I have verified it 3 times with TDI to make certain that I didn't simply get an erroneous opinion from an employee. It is a fact, you cannot be a Texas licensed adjuster while deriving any income from ANY other roofing entity. That statute was passed last September, and has been reposted here numerous times.

How about a little self-policing, huh?

This is America; if you want to make your own rules you'll need to start your own company. Until then, if the owner says you need to wear a purple tanktop and pink shoes, head to Walmart and get a purple tanktop and pink shoes, or find another place to work.

You're only looking at the downside. The upside is, if you are any good, you should be able to make 4 times what you could working by the hour.

Roofing sales isn't for everyone - you can't demand stability and high pay. Pick one or the other.

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!

JD, You have taken a lot of gruff here, but it is all in good fun and for a very good reason. Don't take it personal and don't be insulted. ALL of us are speaking from experience, and you should know both sides of the equation.

I am wondering what type of percentage you are making? You have to have a minimum amount you can charge and then a percentage over that to cover your costs. If you turn out to be a good salesman and can sell, you will make a lot of money. Do you generate your own leads? Do you get a down-payment? If you get a down-payment, it would be reasonable to ask for a percentage of the commission when that check clears. If the owner won't do that, then I would be looking for another job. This is a tough business to be in and if you don't have any roofing experience, selling roofing can be a hard gig. good luck!

A lot of young people under 25 don't even know what a legit business is, let alone a Legit roofing business, which are even fewer and more far between.

We all know that selling is selling, irregardless of product. But if you are not only selling but designing and specifying a job, you might want to know a slight bit about what you're selling.

In a somewhat rational world.

Then there is roofing. Which proves........why bother having a clue? :side:

I've always had this outdated concept that you don't hire more people unless you have the money to pay them in a timely manner for work that they do for you. I never considered exploiting the vulnerable just because they are willing.

At the very least, I think a salesman should be given 1/3rd of their commission for a signed contract.

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:

Seriously Chuck, what is there to know? Lifetime product, ridge vent on everything, ice & water shield everywhere and ....pick a color!

We do the roof in a day and low price wins!

Fabulous B)

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!

What were you selling last week?????????????????????? And I believe that is the correct # of question marks