As obvious as it may seem, the remuneration will be composed of a fixed part (base salary) and a variable part (a percentage). Faced with the controversial topic of commissions, it must be adjusted to several factors:
- Monetary value of the sale (deal)
- Target Market (range of companies prospected)
- Existence of Gatekeepers (difficulty in accessing the decision maker)
- Market maturity (existence of established competitors)
- Duration of the sales cycle (weeks or months).
Once we have analysed all this, we will then need to adjust the variable part of the salary based on trial and error as the SDR closes meetings.
The best approach
In order to bring the most out of this situation, we must be honest with the SDR we want to hire and promote a collaborative attitude.
It’s a good idea to explain this new rep that we want to find the best way to create an SDR commission plan not only for him or her, but for all future SDRs.
Considering the objectives that we set on our SDR commission plan, the SDRs will be better aligned to the overall strategy. For instance, it can help filter qualified meetings. Thus, if the SDR wants to maximize their income by booking meetings – regardless of them being qualified or not -, our company will not be the right place for them.
Nonetheless, if the rep wants to get involved, learn, and really grow, this will be the ideal place (working hand by hand with the founders or senior positions of the startup).
Keep it updated
Once we have our final commission structure, we may need to change it substantially over time.
But beware, it’s important to always do so in a justified and logical way!
For example, as previously mentioned, we may realize that it’s better to compensate meetings by the quality of their opportunities and not by quantity. Why? It’s especially important to generate quality opportunities in the initial stage of a company.
On the contrary, we should avoid doing it dishonestly simply because we want to pay less to our employees. As you may imagine, this can have serious consequences.
The bottom line
Despite everything, if we have a lot of problems finding a suitable commission structure, we can always contact The SaaS Institute.
Based on the experience and specialization of their consulting services, they will analyse all the points discussed to develop a detailed plan to suit each company.
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