[asphaltgambler]

Rick's recent thread about his difficulty in sales led to me to ask this. Has anyone here ever pursued a sales career long term, stayed and was happy?

My personal experience was in the mid '80's where I was sick of turning wrenches already........tired of the cheating / scam crap.

I went to work for a company called "Bear Equipment" as a B-to-B sales guy where I represented all types of shop equipment including very large engine diagnostic / analyzers. Imagine a giant metal console thingy on wheels with a big CRT screen to perform engine diagnosis. That was high in demand technology at the time.

My experience in the field gave me a huge advantage when it came time to demonstrate the products and close deals. I was supplied with a small van and I could 'sign out' any equipment from the Maryland head quarters I wanted to carry.

I made 20% on the gross sale paid when I delivered the equipment. I could discount as much as 5% before I started matching my commission % to % off of the price.

At first I loved it. It was all up to me to set goals and deals. I had a mandatory local meeting every 2 weeks or so, 1 meeting a month in Maryland.

Initially I was 'given' a floor amount of $1500 / month for the first 3 months. This was in 1985. I asked the GM if this would be deducted later in my commissions and he assured me - "no".......

I started selling and of course they deducted my floor money right away. Then came a huge deal ($40K) and instead of my $8K check - it was about $1300 short - if I remember correctly. Then I was told my territory was now going to be halved, so on and so on. I left after 8 months in. I was still doing well - but someone was in my pocket or territory on every deal.

Later there was a similar quasi sales gig where I was a Jr. Service Writer at this high volume gas station - service center and anything I upsold / extra I was to get 10% on the gross parts. Of course it was always short and said FU to that joint.

So the only time I didn't get shorted was only when I used my own money to fund my own deals. I actually enjoy selling - I don't enjoy all the 'surprises' with my pay and career when working for someone else.

In fact, the only guy I know who has been completely successful worked for a small computer company that contracted to the federal government starting in the late '60's now it's called...........'Oracle'.