- My Forums
- Tiger Rant
- LSU Recruiting
- SEC Rant
- Saints Talk
- Pelicans Talk
- More Sports Board
- Coaching Changes
- Fantasy Sports
- Golf Board
- Soccer Board
- O-T Lounge
- Tech Board
- Home/Garden Board
- Outdoor Board
- Health/Fitness Board
- Movie/TV Board
- Book Board
- Music Board
- Political Talk
- Money Talk
- Fark Board
- Gaming Board
- Travel Board
- Food/Drink Board
- Ticket Exchange
- TD Help Board
Customize My Forums- View All Forums
- Show Left Links
- Topic Sort Options
- Trending Topics
- Recent Topics
- Active Topics
Started By
Message
A job offer from a competitor- why am I not excited. Updated
Posted on 10/9/22 at 6:34 am
Posted on 10/9/22 at 6:34 am
A few months i received a phone call from the President of sales of a competitor. We spoke briefly. Talked a few more times. I was curious but not really interested. My current company I have been with almost 20 years and they have provided my family with wonderful company trips, bonuses etc.
This past year has been tough on our customer service - in fact it’s been pretty embarrassing. So the first time in say 19 years I’ve ever listened to a sales pitch from a competitor. I’ve been approached but always politely declined.
They have approached me with a 150K signing bonus and 12 month guarantee at my current base and commission pay.
The commission scale is considerably different it’s a percentage of the product where as my current employer it’s a flat rate based upon the product sold. So my income potential can be up to 2.5 times more based upon my current production. But it’s also introducing this company and product and converting or trying to convert to the new product.
Since I’ve been doing this with my current employer for about 20 years my market share in the industry is considerable. So it would be converting my current customers to the new company etc. The new company is extremely innovative and always thinking about the box, where as my current employer is conservative and is very conservative in its business model and has always been customer or consumer focused.
So my issue is why am I not overly excited about this job offer?
Sorry for the long note, but this is a lot to consider.
This past year has been tough on our customer service - in fact it’s been pretty embarrassing. So the first time in say 19 years I’ve ever listened to a sales pitch from a competitor. I’ve been approached but always politely declined.
They have approached me with a 150K signing bonus and 12 month guarantee at my current base and commission pay.
The commission scale is considerably different it’s a percentage of the product where as my current employer it’s a flat rate based upon the product sold. So my income potential can be up to 2.5 times more based upon my current production. But it’s also introducing this company and product and converting or trying to convert to the new product.
Since I’ve been doing this with my current employer for about 20 years my market share in the industry is considerable. So it would be converting my current customers to the new company etc. The new company is extremely innovative and always thinking about the box, where as my current employer is conservative and is very conservative in its business model and has always been customer or consumer focused.
So my issue is why am I not overly excited about this job offer?
Sorry for the long note, but this is a lot to consider.
This post was edited on 10/15/22 at 11:14 am
13
Posted on 10/9/22 at 6:37 am to Gorilla Ball
Congrats to the fact that you have two seemingly viable options to choose from. 150k signing bonus, impressive.
Posted on 10/9/22 at 7:15 am to Gorilla Ball
You may sense that with that super sign on bonus and lucrative compensation package the reality that this new company WILL expect and extract a pound of flesh in return for the upfront cash and cash potential they are offering you. If you have been in sales for 20 years you know exactly what I am speaking of as I am sure you have seen this play out several times maybe with others in your industry. The old adage that the grass is not always greener is so damn true. You did not say your age, home life circumstances or if you are married so I would assume those are ok for a move to a new company. You already know that your entire household is in sales when you are. Your statement about moving your customers to a new product is valid. They trust you and will move with you. Your statement about your current employer being customer focused is such an important one. If you feel in the slightest that the new company is not all in on customer service then your life in sales will be miserable and so will be your customers. Yeah you will make a load of cash but it will be at some sort of mental cost. You have a tough decision and I have been in the exact one. I myself took the higher pay one with a company not focused on customer service and it has come at some of the costs I have mentioned. In the end the cash can be retirement horizon changing and that is very important especially in the times we currently live in. Wish you luck in your decision.
Posted on 10/9/22 at 7:50 am to Gorilla Ball
I’ve got a competitor that continues to come after me with twice as much base. The problem is that I don’t believe in the long term upside and viability of the firm so I continue to sit on my hands. I also have a good understanding with current employer about what I’m willing and not willing to do as far as time away from family and expectations, so at this stage in my life the money isn’t the driver.
Lots of angles to look at other than just straight up pay.
Lots of angles to look at other than just straight up pay.
Posted on 10/9/22 at 8:33 am to Gorilla Ball
Just curious. What are you selling, or what industry?
Posted on 10/9/22 at 8:45 am to Gorilla Ball
Sounds more like you’ve gotten comfortable with your existing customer base and selling the existing products that the idea of “starting over” and having to work to get sales again sounds unpleasant.
Depending on your relationship and the product you’re selling, you need to determine what’s the likelihood of those customers following you within that first year. That number along with the estimate of sales volume should give you an idea of the salary+commission at the new place. If it doesn’t match what you’re currently making, you’ll have to hustle to get new sales leads or make more sales.
What’s the potential for NEW customers with the new product?
Depending on your relationship and the product you’re selling, you need to determine what’s the likelihood of those customers following you within that first year. That number along with the estimate of sales volume should give you an idea of the salary+commission at the new place. If it doesn’t match what you’re currently making, you’ll have to hustle to get new sales leads or make more sales.
What’s the potential for NEW customers with the new product?
Posted on 10/9/22 at 8:52 am to Gorilla Ball
If you have been there that long and are interested in staying, approach them about ownership percentage. Get some skin in the game. The fact that you are considering the money means ownership could be what you want.
If not, no way I turn down 150k sign on unless I already make a 750k - 1 million annually
If not, no way I turn down 150k sign on unless I already make a 750k - 1 million annually
Posted on 10/9/22 at 9:05 am to Gorilla Ball
Is the 12 month guarantee an employment “duration” contract - as in, you would be paid for a year if you were let go. (Unless it was for cause) Or is it just a minimum baseline for salary + commissions?
It’s just a tough time to be switching jobs with a looming global recession. Probably why you’re not excited
It’s just a tough time to be switching jobs with a looming global recession. Probably why you’re not excited
Posted on 10/9/22 at 9:39 am to Gorilla Ball
How devastating to current job would it be. Are you feeling bad about that?
Posted on 10/9/22 at 10:07 am to Gorilla Ball
Based on all of your owns words I’d jump no questions or go back to your employer with that offer.
Unless you are making $750k plus or this amount of money wouldn’t change your life at all I’d be gone or getting a better package from my current employer
Unless you are making $750k plus or this amount of money wouldn’t change your life at all I’d be gone or getting a better package from my current employer
Posted on 10/9/22 at 11:19 am to Gorilla Ball
If I had to guess you have begun believing that money isn't everything 
Posted on 10/9/22 at 12:27 pm to TigerDeBaiter
Well it’s not a signing bonus but basically it’s paid after the third month of employment
Posted on 10/9/22 at 12:30 pm to Tshiz
My current employer is privately owned.
Posted on 10/9/22 at 12:33 pm to Gorilla Ball
What happens if this doesn't work for you career wise. That seems like risk.
Posted on 10/9/22 at 12:34 pm to LSUtigerME
Yes I’ve thought about the percentage of customers moving to the new company- even if it’s only half my business it’s still considerable more money.
I’m 58 and I thought I’d only work a few more years.
But I know there is going to be a mess load of pressure to convert clients.
I’m 58 and I thought I’d only work a few more years.
But I know there is going to be a mess load of pressure to convert clients.
Posted on 10/9/22 at 1:32 pm to thelawnwranglers
I’m 58 so I guess shite would hit the fan
Posted on 10/9/22 at 1:38 pm to thelawnwranglers
Yes I mean a lot of clients come to me with customer service that I guess they should just call the corporate office. But I just think that’s the level of service I provide. I have a customer service support team and everyone (or so it seems) reaches out to me.
So if I would leave they would have to call the corporate office, but to be honest that’s gonna tough to swallow. Especially since I’m going to a competitor.
If I was moving to a differently industry I’d be happy to provide more support. But that’s gonna be tough
So if I would leave they would have to call the corporate office, but to be honest that’s gonna tough to swallow. Especially since I’m going to a competitor.
If I was moving to a differently industry I’d be happy to provide more support. But that’s gonna be tough
Posted on 10/9/22 at 2:02 pm to Gorilla Ball
I was in a similar situation (software sales).
I told my current employer of the enticements being offered.
They wanted to keep me and gave me a pay raise.
I told my current employer of the enticements being offered.
They wanted to keep me and gave me a pay raise.
Posted on 10/9/22 at 5:19 pm to Gorilla Ball
quote:
So it would be converting my current customers to the new company etc.
Be sure you don’t have a “non-compete.”
Posted on 10/9/22 at 9:05 pm to Gorilla Ball
quote:
My current employer is privately owned.
This makes my point
Page 1 of 3
Popular
Back to top
Follow TigerDroppings for LSU Football News