The argument of whether it is a good idea to work in a role which pays 100 per cent commission is one that can bring passionate answers from either side.

Some people believe it is morally wrong, or even illegal, for employers to offer staff performance-based pay without a fixed hourly wage on top. After all, if a staff member underperforms then they may not earn enough to pay their bills or feed their family. 

Others believe that commission is the best and fairest way to pay employees as those who work hardest and are worth the most to their employer are rewarded as such.   

Direct Sales

For those who are excited about the idea of being paid what they are worth, there are plenty of sales recruitment agencies around the UK who can assist candidates in finding their perfect role.

The direct sales industry has managed to expand rapidly in spite of the economic downturn because it operates solely on a commission-based pay structure.

Many direct sales companies hire clients who only pay them for the amount of products which are sold. In turn, the heads of these companies only pay their sales staff for the amount of products they offload. 

Benefits of Paying Commission

This payment method allows direct sales companies to only attract candidates with high confidence and a strong work ethic. Those who are naturally unconfident and lazy will almost always eventually opt for a job which pays the same wage no matter how hard they work.

It also guarantees that companies will never have to make any of their staff redundant, as their outgoings will never outweigh business being brought in. 

Although the turnover of lazy, unproductive staff will be extremely high, business owners are unlikely to lose their most valuable staff who will be thrilled to be earning more money because of their greater talent or work ethic.

Benefits of Earning Commission

Although performance-based pay is not for everyone, many workers can't do without the thrill or being constantly rewarded for your actions in the workplace.

Employees trying to save cash whilst on a salary are forced to wait a certain amount of time. Those who earn commission just have to perform to a certain level. If they're unhappy with what they're earning at work, all they have to do is work harder!

There are hundreds, if not thousands, of employees and employers earning money in a commission-based role which they could only dream of receiving from a job that pays an hourly wage.

Those who believe that they are worth more than what they are being paid may want to a consider a career in sales to prove it.