--- title: "Commission-Only Sales Jobs: Weighing the Risks and Rewards" description: Discover the pros and cons of commission-only sales jobs for agriculture employers and sales reps. Learn the risks, rewards, and what to consider. image: https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/SM.jpg --- [![AgHires_Logo_Black_no_tag-1](https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/Logos/AgHires_Logo_Black_no_tag-1.png)](https://aghires.com/) - [JOBS](https://jobs.aghires.com/jobs) - [SEARCH JOBS](https://jobs.aghires.com/jobs) - [SUBMIT YOUR RESUME](mailto:resumes@aghires.com) - [INTERNSHIPS](https://jobs.aghires.com/jobs/internship) - [CAREER ADVICE](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/career-advice) - [FIND COMPANIES](https://jobs.aghires.com/organizations) - [CREATE ACCOUNT](https://jobs.aghires.com/user/login) - [HIRE TALENT](https://aghires.com/#hiring-solutions) - [POST A JOB](https://jobs.aghires.com/products) - [RECRUITING SERVICES](https://aghires.com/recruiting-services) - [EXECUTIVE SEARCH](https://aghires.com/executive-recruiting) - [POST INTERNSHIPS FOR FREE](https://jobs.aghires.com/free-internship-job-postings) - [BACKGROUND CHECKS](https://aghires.com/background-checks) - [ADVERTISE ON AGHIRES](https://aghires.com/advertising-opportunities) - [INDUSTRIES WE SERVE](https://aghires.com/#industries) - [HIRING TIPS](https://aghires.com/resources) - [RESOURCES](https://blog.aghires.com) - [BLOG](https://blog.aghires.com) - [VIDEO LEARNING](https://www.youtube.com/user/AgHiresJobs) - [AG EDUCATORS & ADVISORS](https://aghires.com/ag-classroom-resources) - [AG HIRING TRENDS](https://aghires.com/agriculture-workforce-key-hiring-trends) - [ABOUT US](https://aghires.com/about-us) - [ABOUT AGHIRES](https://aghires.com/about-us) - [WORK AT AGHIRES](https://aghires.com/careers) - [TESTIMONIALS & CASE STUDIES](https://aghires.com/testimonials) - [CONTACT](https://aghires.com/contact) - [SIGN UP/SIGN IN](https://jobs.aghires.com/user/login) # Commission-Only Sales Jobs: Weighing the Risks and Rewards ![Clock Image](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hubfs/4130406/B2B%20Theme/Clock-3.png) 11 Minute Read Posted by [Lila Huelster](https://blog.aghires.com/author/lila-huelster) Tags: [Career Advice](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/career-advice), [Hiring Advice](https://blog.aghires.com/tag/hiring-advice) ![commission only sales jobs](https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/SM.jpg) A commission-based job, typically seen in sales positions, is one in which individuals earn income based on the amount of products or services that they sell. While some sales positions offer a base salary plus additional commission pay, some employers choose a commission-only structure, meaning the employee will only get paid based off of their sales performance.   A commission-only compensation structure can be appealing for both employers and job seekers in the agriculture industry. However, these types of sales positions have their drawbacks and can present a variety of challenges for both parties. Let’s dive into some of the main pros and cons both employers and sales candidates should consider when it comes to commission-only pay structures.  ## Pros For Employers Using a Commission-Only Pay Structure **Cost-Effective** For employers, paying straight commission for sales employees mean less fixed payroll costs that would come with paying base salaries. It also means that since you only pay employees once a sale is made, you’re only paying for results.  **Motivated Sales Force**  Sales employees who work solely on commission tend to be more motivated, as they have to sell to earn their pay. The more they sell, the more they earn, which can drive higher performance.   **Attracts Entrepreneurial Candidates**  Commission-only sales roles can be an attractive option for candidates who are natural go-getters with strong sales skills or entrepreneurial drive. For the right sales professional who is confident in their selling abilities, unlimited earning potential can be highly rewarding.   ## Cons for Employers Using a Commission-Only Pay Structure **Higher Turnover**  A commission-only structure isn’t a good fit for everyone. Organizations can face higher turnover rates due to employee burnout and reps deciding they cannot stay in a job with an inconsistent income.  **Reputation Risk**  Some people view companies who use a commission-only pay structure as exploitative. To avoid any negative assumptions about your company, be sure to structure your commission pay ethically and be transparent. Communicate details clearly about your pay structure in your [job postings](https://blog.aghires.com/hiring-advice-blog/how-to-write-a-job-description-that-attracts-talent) and during candidate interviews.  **Cultural Challenges**  When your company operates on a commission-only sales structure, employees may be more independent-minded and only focused on making sales, and less focused on the company’s overall mission. This may hinder your [culture](https://blog.aghires.com/hiring-advice-blog/revamp-your-company-culture) and make it more difficult to enforce your branding, processes, or policies.  **Hiring Challenges**  [Recruiting agriculture sales professionals](https://blog.aghires.com/hiring-advice-blog/ultimate-guide-to-hiring-the-right-agriculture) for commission-only positions can be a challenge, especially in saturated or competitive markets. Financial stability is a priority for many candidates, leaving employers with a smaller pool of talent to choose from for straight commission roles. Even candidates with proven success in sales may not be willing to work without the safety net of a base salary. These candidates will not typically leave a company where they have built a sizeable sales portfolio to start over on a commission-only basis.  To help attract more candidates to your commission-only roles, consider what other perks you can offer your employees. These may include a performance or end-of year bonus, training and/or development opportunities, or a flexible schedule.   ## Commission-Only Pay Structure Pros for Sales Employees **Unlimited Earning Potential**  While there is no guaranteed base salary, an uncapped commission structure can allow high performers to earn significantly more than they would in a traditional salaried role. Highly motivated employees will be rewarded financially for their hard work and success.  **Flexibility**  Commission-based sales roles often come with more flexibility than a standard 9-5 position. Some companies allow sales employees to make their own schedule, and many agriculture sales jobs are a hybrid structure, allowing you a combination of [working from home](https://blog.aghires.com/working-from-home-how-to-determine-if-you-would-be-successful), in-office, and on the road.   Depending on the company and position, some individuals can work a full-time, salaried job while working a contracted, commission-only role part-time as their schedule allows.   **Skill Development**  The fast-paced learning environment in a commission-based sales job can help you quickly build your skills in communication, relationship building, negotiations, time management, and more – growing you into a strong agriculture sales professional in a short period of time.   Commission sales experience can also serve as a great steppingstone for someone looking to start their own ag business or become a sales consultant.   ## Commission-Only Pay Structure Cons for Sales Employees **Inconsistent Income**  Although there is opportunity for high earnings, working in a commission-only role means your income will be unpredictable, and not guaranteed. This can feel uncomfortable, especially in the first several months of the job or in slower selling seasons for the product or service.   This type of variable income can also make it difficult to get approved for credit and loans, too.  **High Pressure **  With no guaranteed income, sales employees will likely feel high stress and pressure to perform. Not only to earn a living, but to also prove themselves to their employer. High stress can lead to employee burnout and dissatisfaction at work. It’s important for sales employees working in this type of environment to prioritize their mental health and find a healthy work-life balance.   **Lack of Benefits**  Often, commission-based employees are categorized as independent contractors instead of traditional full-time employees. This typically means that health insurance, paid time off, or retirement benefits are not offered by the employer, and employees are responsible for securing their own outside benefits. In this case, some individuals obtain benefits through their spouse’s employer or go through a third-party provider.  ## **Conclusion**  If done ethically and with clearly set expectations, commission-only sales structures can be cost effective for ag employers and highly rewarding for the right candidates. Whether you’re an employer looking to adopt a straight commission pay structure for your team, or an ag sales professional considering a commission-only job, make sure to weigh the pros and cons to make an informed decision.   **Are you an ag employer looking to grow your sales team?** AgHires is the leading ag recruitment firm for small family farms to Fortune 500 companies. From [job advertising to full-service recruiting](https://aghires.com/main/clients/products), we offer a variety of tailored solutions to meet your hiring needs. Our team comes from the agriculture industry and is passionate about fueling the success of ag organizations like yours.   [Schedule a brief meeting](https://info.aghires.com/meetings/aghires/schedule-time-with-aghires-sales-team) or give us a call at (844) 244-4737 to learn more about how we can help you find your next great hire.  **Are you a job seeker ready to find your next opportunity in agriculture?** Browse thousands of jobs at [AgHires.com](https://aghires.com/)! Search and apply for jobs in farming, food production, biotechnology, and much more.   For employers considering adopting a commission-only pay structure, and sales professionals looking at straight-commission jobs - this guide outlines the pros and cons for both sides. ![Lila Huelster](https://blog.aghires.com/hubfs/Staff/square%20headshot.jpg) ### [Lila Huelster](https://blog.aghires.com/author/lila-huelster) Lila Huelster is the Recruiting Content Lead at AgHires, where she develops strategic content to support hiring efforts across the agriculture industry. She earned her bachelor’s degree in Agribusiness Communications from Southeast Missouri State University and began her career at AgHires as a Recruiter, building a strong foundation in ag talent acquisition. Prior to joining AgHires, Lila built her expertise in social media marketing and copywriting for clients across a variety of industries. 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