I run a low voltage company in Nashville, TN, we install custom home theaters, whole house audio, etc......My company is very small, only been in business for 2 years+. I am looking to hire a outside salesman to increase sales. We primarily work residential, about 95%. I am looking for someone that has experience in A/V sales and it would be great to have someone that has existing contacts with contractors. My question is what is the best way to advertise for this position, and what to ask for in the posting. We have posted this job and tend to get people that say they can sell anything and turn out they can sell *&%$#%^. Also, what is a good way to pay the salesman, i.e base salary, commission, etc... If commission what is a standard, percentage of sold jobs, what kind of structure is standard in this business. Sorry for the long message, just looking for any expertise that could be given.

Thanks Bozler

Bozler...

first...you need to do some research and find out WHO knows your local conatacts that may be looking for a change. An electrician, alarm guy, tile guy, plumber...whatever...your best bet, sadly, will be to steal someone.

second...we are going through the same process right now, and in my previous experience the best salesman have been compensated (in Colorado anyway..where cost of living is VERY high) like this...about 8-10 bucks per hour, and then a good commission!

It seems to work well if you get someone that is motivated and willing to sell...and then define their salary as, "I'll pay you hourly...but not enough to survive on, your prosperity is up to you!"

Find that person...treat them well on the comission and bennies...and they'll be a goldmine for you (albeit a headache for your installers and Project Managers!)

avdude

and third.. go join integrationpros.com

I agree with AVdude, however, I would use a much smaller base salery with better commission percentage.

Thanks for all of the input, but what is better commision, how would you all breakdown the commision, % of sales, % of profit on sales, etc...What have you all found most effective and not giving away your profits. Thanks

Bozler

Just think of it this way, decide what you could pay a salesman a year now by how much you sell. Then just divide your annual sales (or the sales you expect him to produce) by what you think an average salery should be. Viola! You have a payment structure. If you decide you want to add some base salery in their just shave a little off commission.

I've seen Anywhere from 8%-18% of Gross profit for commisioned salespeople. Based on Gross Profit Percentage, Experience and Base level.