Should You Accept a High-Paying Senior Sales Role with a New Product?

When faced with the decision of whether to accept a job offer that offers a significantly higher salary in a new and unproven sales role, it's crucial to evaluate all aspects of the opportunity carefully.

In a situation where a promising job offer is made, discussing a high salary compared to your current position, it is important to clarify whether the compensation is a fixed salary or a commission-based arrangement. This distinction could significantly impact your decision and the security of your income.

Understanding the Salary Structure

Is the salary you're offered a fixed amount, or are you primarily reliant on the commission from selling a product that hasn't generated any sales? If it's the latter, this could be a risky decision, especially if the product is new and hasn't shown any market traction.

The promise of a high salary is often a common sales pitch, often made by enthusiastic founders who are eager to see their product succeed. However, this enthusiasm does not always equate to a successful business venture, especially with a new product that has yet to generate any sales.

It's essential to question whether the product you're being asked to sell has been tested in a real-world manufacturing environment. Most successful products have undergone rigorous testing and have proven to be reliable and beneficial. A new product without sales history might have significant performance and durability issues that are not immediately apparent.

Market Viability and Company Survival

Without thorough market research and understanding of the product’s potential uses, it's challenging to assess the likelihood of success. Additionally, there is no guarantee that the company will survive long enough to realize the potential of the product. Many companies that invest heavily in new products fail when the product doesn't meet expectations.

Sales roles involving new, untested products often come with significant risks. If the product does not perform as expected, it could lead to the company's failure, leaving you without a job. In the best-case scenario, if the product does succeed, you might be able to test your sales skills and the product's market acceptance for a period of time before making a decision to commit fully.

Testing the Waters

Before making a full commitment, it might be wise to test the product and your sales skills on a part-time basis during your current employment. This could involve working on weekends, perhaps, while maintaining your current job. This trial period could provide valuable insights into the product's market acceptance and your ability to successfully sell it.

By taking on a part-time role, you can gauge the product's viability and your performance without fully committing. This trial period could last for a year or more, depending on the progress you make. If the product shows promising signs and you excel in your sales efforts, you might consider stepping into the full-time position once you have a solid understanding of the product and its market.

However, given the significant risks involved, it is important to approach this opportunity with caution and a realistic perspective. The most conservative advice would be to keep your current job secure while exploring the potential of the new opportunity on a part-time basis.

Ultimately, the decision to accept such a role should be based on a thorough evaluation of the risks and potential rewards, along with your personal financial situation and career goals.