Writing on commission?

David,

A person just starting out might consider writing for a percentage of sales. Sure beats writing for free which some new freelance copywriters do at first.

Alex

This is not a non starter deal. The non starter is usually the client. Which this is usually why this is something for established clients, not new ones.

Many clients have no experience with pay for performance and think it means they do nothing, the copywriter waves a magic wand, and POOF -- more sales.

Let's say the product is a proven earner, but the reason you're there is the client has reached a plateau with it. Okay, then it may be you have to go in some new direction to create a breakthrough which will earn enough to be worth your while.

Many clients may well balk. However, if they know how you work you may be able to influence them. That's usually only within the province of a client who has worked with you before.

I have had some new clients who were shocked -- Shocked I Tell You -- that my advice was completely consistent with what's on my website. There is no jarring consistency when clients know what you say is actually how you work.

One manufacturer was selling to a completely new market segment (consumer) and wanted to use their old (B2B) slant on things. They have and established reputation within the industry and bristled at the mere thought they had to have testimonials and establish their credibility and history with the new market who didn't know their name.

Goofy stuff. But it's what you can expect when you work with a new client on this kind of deal.

Alexa, your comment makes perfect sense... why would a good earner need to pay on commission?

But John has figured it pretty well: "Let's say the product is a proven earner, but the reason you're there is the client has reached a plateau with it. Okay, then it may be you have to go in some new direction to create a breakthrough which will earn enough to be worth your while."

To get ripped off like Matt described is disgusting. I would do everything possible to cut this guy off at the pass. Doesn't the copywriter own copright to the work? (especially if it's not paid for?)

No matter how attractive the commission, a down payment to at least cover time and cost should be mandatory.

I work with a couple of companies that pay me a percentage of sales.
But they still pay me an upfront fee also.

So paying a commission is not an excuse for not paying the initial fee.

If a prospect is saying something like that you should immediately run
in the other direction, because if you accept such projects one of
these two things is likely to happen:

a) The client makes a lot of money from your copy and rips you off
(like in Matt's case)

b) The client won't make squat from that copy because he doesn't
have a clue how to market it. And then, he finally blames YOU
(the copywriter) for writing a letter that doesn't convert.


Take care,
Dean.



'

It was recent Matt?

Name and shame.



B.