Activity based commission

An activity-based commission (ABC) is a type of commission plan that rewards salespeople for completing specific sales activities, such as making calls, setting appointments, or sending proposals. ABC plans are designed to motivate salespeople to focus on the activities that are most important to closing deals.

There are many different ways to structure an ABC plan. Some common methods include:

  • Paying a flat fee, or single rate bonus, for each activity. This is the simplest type of ABC plan, and it is easy to understand and administer. However, it can be less effective than other methods, as it does not take into account the value of different activities.
  • Paying a percentage of the value of the sale for each activity. This type of plan is more complex than the flat fee method, but it is more effective at motivating salespeople to focus on high-value activities.
  • Paying a bonus for completing a certain number of activities. This type of plan is a hybrid of the flat fee and percentage methods. It is easy to understand and administer, and it is also effective at motivating salespeople to focus on high-value activities.

ABC plans can be a very effective way to motivate salespeople and increase sales. However, it is important to use them wisely. If they are not carefully designed, they can actually discourage salespeople from selling.

Here are some tips for using ABC plans effectively:

  • Make sure that the activities that are being rewarded are aligned with your company’s goals.
  • Make sure that the rewards are fair and equitable for all salespeople.
  • Make sure that the ABC plan is easy to understand and administer.
  • Monitor the results of the ABC plan and make adjustments as needed.

By following these tips, you can use ABC plans to motivate your sales team and increase your sales.


For a sample compensation plan that includes activity-based bonuses, check out the Qualified Opportunity Bonus and the Demos Completed Bonus plans.

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