D2D glossary / How reps get paid
What does commission only mean in door-to-door sales?
Commission only: Commission only means you are paid for completed sales and nothing else: no hourly wage and no salary. Most door-to-door sales jobs in solar, pest control, roofing, security and fiber pay this way.
The word that matters is "completed". In most door-to-door jobs the commission is earned when the product is installed, activated or built, not when the customer signs. A signed deal that cancels pays nothing, so the number of your sales that stick matters as much as the rate per sale.
Commission-only pay puts the risk of a slow week on you and the reward of a strong week with you too. It suits people who want pay tied to results and can cover their bills through the first weeks, when few deals have completed yet.
Not every door-to-door role is commission only. Canvassing and appointment-setting roles in windows, HVAC and gutters often pay an hourly base plus bonuses, and some companies offer a draw while you ramp up.
Ask before you sign
What exactly triggers my commission, and how many days after the sale does it usually pay?
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Commission only: quick answers
What does commission only mean in door-to-door sales?
Commission only means you are paid for completed sales and nothing else: no hourly wage and no salary. Most door-to-door sales jobs in solar, pest control, roofing, security and fiber pay this way.
What should I ask a company about commission-only pay?
Ask this before you sign: "What exactly triggers my commission, and how many days after the sale does it usually pay?" Get the answer in writing, in the rep agreement or the pay plan.