Company won’t make good on commission?

New / Biz Dev
tcwisdom

New Biz Dev

tcwisdom
Oct 14, 2019 7 Comments

After 6 months my promised commission package never materialized (~39% of OTE). Due to a number of developments it is clear that offering a commission won’t be possible. Brought it up to leadership and asked for a bump in base (not to what my total OTE would have been). Was told no (hard no) and that my pay can actually be reduced at performance reviews. I was also told I’ll never be able to get promoted if I stay remote and my skill set is “worthless” to a startup. My question is do I have any recourse since my offer included the commission? Also besides the obvious that I will leave the company at the first chance, how would you approach this situation?

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TOP 7 Comments
  • Marqeta
    MQ_Doxxer

    Go to company page Marqeta

    MQ_Doxxer
    The worst thing you can do is to do do nothing - talk to a lawyer! Even if there is nothing explicitly malicious going on, if your specific situation is a grey area the company will always err on the side of protecting itself and not putting your best interests in mind. Even if you spend a thousand bucks on a lawyer to tell you that you don’t have any kind of recourse, at least you’ll have some peace of mind.
    Oct 14, 2019 1
    • New / Biz Dev
      wisemanor

      New Biz Dev

      wisemanor
      Something to be said there. But just not sure it’s worth it. I honestly just want to find a better role.
      Oct 15, 2019
  • Uber / Eng
    fujgvceu5

    Go to company page Uber Eng

    fujgvceu5
    Sounds like wage theft. Talk to an employment lawyer
    Oct 14, 2019 0
  • Google
    QTOPS

    Go to company page Google

    QTOPS
    I believe you do. Know a few who successfully sued a major tech company for not paying out commission.
    Oct 14, 2019 1
    • New / Biz Dev
      wisemanor

      New Biz Dev

      wisemanor
      Even if I was never presented with a structure for the commission? It was in my offer letter but that’s basically where it ended. I’m not against hiring a lawyer somewhat out of spite but also just not sure it’s worth it since I doubt they will care at all.
      Oct 14, 2019
  • Can you prove you fulfilled the requirements to get the commission and that it was promised? If so then you should talk to a lawyer.
    Oct 14, 2019 1
    • New / Biz Dev
      wisemanor

      New Biz Dev

      wisemanor
      That’s the rub. They never even gave me the requirements.
      Oct 14, 2019