Definition

A fee paid to someone, often a salesperson, based on the value of what they sell. It’s a way to reward performance.

What to consider

  • Expect some months to be better than others with commission-based income.
  • Plan your budget around these fluctuations.
  • Review your agreement so you know exactly how your earnings are calculated.

Real world scenarios

  • Angela works as a real estate agent and earns a percentage of each home sale. Her motivation skyrockets when closing multiple deals in a busy season, significantly boosting her monthly income.
  • Hired as a sales rep, Noah knows a portion of his earnings will be commission-based. He sets personal performance goals to maximize these rewards and grows his client list by networking.
  • Sasha negotiates a higher commission rate after proving her sales results exceed company targets. This change directly influences her paycheck, encouraging her to maintain strong performance.

Related terms

Employment & Income