D2D glossary / How reps get paid
What is base plus commission in door-to-door sales?
Base plus commission: Base plus commission means you earn an hourly wage or salary for the time you work, plus a bonus or commission for results such as appointments set or jobs sold.
Base pay is most common in canvassing and appointment-setting roles for windows, siding, HVAC, gutters and other home improvement companies. The base covers your hours on the doors; the bonus rewards appointments that show up or jobs that sell.
These roles are more often W-2 employment, with taxes withheld. The trade is simple: steadier income and a lower ceiling than a commission-only closing role. Many reps start on a base as a setter and move to commission-only closing once they can sell.
Ask before you sign
What counts as a paid appointment: one that is set, one that happens, or one that sells?
Related terms
Read next
- How Door-to-Door Sales Pay Works
- Door-to-door windows & siding sales jobs · Window and siding sales FAQ
- Door-to-door hvac sales jobs · HVAC sales FAQ
- Door-to-door gutters sales jobs
Base plus commission: quick answers
What is base plus commission in door-to-door sales?
Base plus commission means you earn an hourly wage or salary for the time you work, plus a bonus or commission for results such as appointments set or jobs sold.
What should I ask a company about a base plus commission role?
Ask this before you sign: "What counts as a paid appointment: one that is set, one that happens, or one that sells?" Get the answer in writing, in the rep agreement or the pay plan.