Hiring sales reps on commission only has always been a bold move. It's not the most conventional model, yet when executed properly, it can unleash huge growth with minimal risk. Still, it’s not for every business.
Before you dive in, you must know how to succeed with commission-only sales rep careers, who thrives in such roles, and how to manage this model effectively.
In this article, we’ll break down the pros & cons, best practices, and expert tips for hiring commission-only reps, and how a platform like VetRep Finder can support your hiring process, whether you're hiring for commission-only or salaried veterinary sales rep roles.
A commission-only sales rep earns 100% of their income from the deals they close. No base salary. No hourly rate. Just performance-based pay.
This structure is particularly popular in industries such as B2B sales, real estate, pharmaceuticals, and veterinary product sales, especially among startups or rapidly expanding companies.
There are good reasons businesses explore this route:
If you're hiring sales reps on commission only, you're reducing financial risk. But you're also betting on your ability to attract, train, and retain the right kind of salespeople.
Let’s look at the main upsides of hiring commission-only sales representatives:
It’s not all upside. Here are a few common challenges, along with strategies for addressing them.
Not everyone is comfortable working without a safety net. To address this, position your offer attractively by highlighting earning potential, flexibility, and growth opportunities.
Without the right tools, reps may struggle to close deals. Provide training, scripts, and lead support to help them succeed.
Commission-only models can lead to burnout. Set realistic expectations and check in regularly to support your reps.
Creating the proper commission structure for sales reps is key.
Some quick tips:
Ensure your representatives understand how they’ll earn and when they’ll be paid.
Want to attract the right people? Follow these hiring tips:
Be Upfront: Don’t sugarcoat it. Let candidates know it’s a commission-only role from the start.
Hire for Personality, Not Just Experience: Look for self-motivated, confident, and coachable individuals. They don’t always need a decade of experience.
Give Them the Tools: Provide CRM access, product training, lead data, and marketing support. Even the best rep can’t sell in the dark.
Use Trial Periods: Start with a 30-day test run. This protects both you and the rep.
Managing commission-only reps takes a slightly different mindset.
Here’s what works:
You’re not just a manager; you’re also a motivator.
It depends on:
If all points are checked, this model may unlock significant growth potential.
Hiring sales reps on commission only can be a game-changer or a mess, depending on how you approach it. It works best when:
If done right, you get a highly motivated team that drives revenue while keeping overhead low.
How VetRep Finder Can Help: No Matter Your Commission Structure
VetRep Finder is a specialized platform designed to help veterinary businesses connect with qualified independent sales reps, whether you're hiring on commission-only, salary, or hybrid compensation models.
VetRep Finder simplifies the process of finding and reaching the right veterinary sales rep. At VetRep Finder, you can:
Whether you’re looking for commission-only, base plus commission, or another structure, VetRep Finder supports your strategy.
Start hiring smarter today at VetRepFinder.com
Yes, but you must follow labor laws, especially regarding the classification of independent contractors.
The commission range varies, but 10–30% is the standard commission rate in commission-only sales structures.
To motivate commission-only sales representatives, you can offer tiered commissions, recognition, support tools, and clear goals.
Commission-only sales models are common in real estate, medical, B2B, insurance, and veterinary product sales.
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