Compesation for a traveling rep?

[Narwhal]

Hi PSers...

I have an odd question- but thought you guys/gals could help.

I have had an offer to help out a smaller business- traveling to conferences. The owner used to travel to hobby specific conferences and have a booth and sell products, give out samples to customers and other business and do demos. I used to help him (for free) when the conferences where near me.

He had some family health issues that have prevented him from attending the conferences. I suggested if he hired me, i could travel around and do all that for him.

He said ok- how much do you want for compensation?

This is where I have no idea. Expenses would be paid (plane/conference fees/hotel etc). It would be approx 3-5 trips a year. Flying in Friday afternoon, saturday and flying back sunday. He used to do them once a month at his high point, but would only expect me to do the ones I could go to. The guess is 3 or so smaller conferences and 1-2 larger in a year.

Any idea on compensation? Would it be lump sum for each conference or hourly? Hourly for just conference time or whole weekend?

He also just IMd me to ask about calling normal customers and seeing if they need to order more (a few hours a week).... Something i could do, or at least give it a shot and see how it goes

I have never done sales besides store retail. But I do have the unique hobby skills needed to understand this product and explain and do demos using it. I normally work in the professional side of this hobby- so that comes in handy. And I am a girl. This is a male dominated hobby but not necessarily a male only hobby. You would think it wouldn't matter but it seems too.

I do have a full time job- but could take a sunday off here or there to do the handful of conferences.
And honestly not too attached to this particular job.
He said he couldn't take me on full time- couldn't afford me. But I might not need to work full time in the next year or so forward. Our money situation has gotten drastically better in the last year or so, so my full income isn't as necessary.

Any ideas?

 

[TravelingGal]

expenses from when you leave your house to when you return. Mileage to airport, parking, hotel, plane, etc.

A reasonable per diem for meals. This starts the day you leave for travel until the day you return.

And finally an agreed upon rate for your work at the entire conference.

 

[iheartscience]

I would do some searches on job sites for trade show reps and try to figure out their salary. Or figure out what you make daily at your full time job and ask for that per day at the conference.

 

[Lotus99]

I'd suggest a lump sum for each day, plus expenses. I'm assuming there's at least some set-up and packing away to factor in. Because you'll also have to pay taxes on the income, factor that in, too.

I'd probably set it no lower than what you get per day (roughly) from your salaried job, and perhaps a little higher to allow for the fact you give up your weekends and may have to take vacation days from work.

 

[nkarma]

I doubt many people on here have the expertise to give you an accurate number especially not knowing the specific industry. I would use google or any contacts you have who may work closer to the sales side to see what range they think. Also, often in job ads (indeed.com, craigslist, etc..) employers will list what the pay is for a position. Find a similar position and add 10% or whatever you think is fair. Just because you don't need the money doesn't mean you shouldn't earn it for working, so I do encourage you to try to get the highest wage possible. The worse he can say is no and bargain down. Actually if he accepts you offer right away, that may be a sign you asked for something too low. You have a very rare opportunity here in that the ball is in your court as far wage.

 

[zoebartlett]

It sounds like an interesting opportunity!

I haven't done this type of work before, but I really like TGal and Thing2's advice.

For a few years, my mom was hired by an educational consultant to take on some of the jobs this woman couldn't do because she was needed elsewhere. I think my mom did a combination of what TGal and Thing2 suggested to figure out what she would need to be compensated (as some of the work conflicted with her other , FT, position). I can ask for more specifics if you'd like.

 

[VRBeauty]

You've been to trade shows with him before, so you should have some idea of whether this generates a lot of sales and new business, or whether he's mostly attending the shows mostly to "show the flag" maintain existing business relationships, and generate interest in the product. Can you use your observations from that experience to guide your request for compensation?