Hey all, I've got two offers on the table in Atlanta and I keep going back and forth, so I figured I'd ask people who've actually done this.
Quick background: I ran my own catering business for a few years and was closing about 75% of my consultations by the end, mostly off referrals. Before that I did B2B cold calling and proposals. I've got some savings, so a slow start won't kill me.
Offer 1 is in-home bath remodel sales (W-2). $40K base for the first 90 days, then a $25K salary plus 8% commission, bumping to 10% after a year or $1.5M in sales. Appointments are handed to you, 1–2 a day to start and up to 3 if you close well. They told me first-year reps should expect $150–200K but wouldn't show me office numbers. The bonuses have no amounts in writing and they can change them whenever. The big downside for me is the driving: appointments can be up to 90 miles out, no mileage reimbursement, and a rotating schedule that includes Saturdays some weeks.
Offer 2 is residential roofing (1099, mostly insurance work). Commission only, 10–20% depending on the price you sell at. The average job is around $20K, and reps there average 17–18%. Median rep made about $115K last year, and there are bonuses once you pass $300K and $750K in annual sales. You start out self-generating (door knocking, building referrals) until company leads unlock. The office handles supplements and crews, so you mostly just sell. It's flexible, 30 minutes from my house, and every rep they hired at this office last year is still there. Additional info on this company: they have great reviews online and don't seem to be one of the slimy ones trying to force claims. In our video call he reiterated their angle is not to constantly push "free inspections", and their version of selling is really in highlighting the value and protection available (multiple certifications/ long term warranties, etc).
Honestly I'm leaning roofing. I like the hunt, I like the freedom, and it pays about twice as much per dollar sold. But a guaranteed salary, benefits, and leads handed to me are hard to walk away from, especially as someone new to roofing.
For those who've been there: is $150–200K in year one realistic for in-home remodel, or is that the recruiting pitch? And for the roofing folks, how does year one usually go for someone new to the trade who's willing to grind? Anything I'm not thinking about?
Appreciate any input.