Do Commission Clawbacks Help or Hurt?

Reducing or reclaiming a salesperson's commission isn't necessarily a motivating move—and it might even be illegal.

On the surface and from an owner’s or manager’s point of view, commission clawbacks—that is, reclaiming or reducing earned commissions if sales goals are not met—might seem to make sense. Isn’t a commission supposed to be an incentive for closing sales? And if so, inversely, shouldn’t you take that commission away if that goal hasn’t been met?

But on this episode of Straight Talk!, Dave Kahle, owner of Kahle Way Sales Systems, shares his thoughts on the problem with this outlook and why commission clawbacks are not a good way to motivate your sales staff.

To learn Dave’s positive strategies that can help motivate your salespeople sell and close successfully without defeating their morale, watch the video or listen to the podcast below!

           
Posted On January 10, 2024

Jeff Cross

ISSA Media Director

Jeff Cross is the ISSA media director, with publications that include Cleaning & Maintenance Management, ISSA Today, and Cleanfax magazines. He is the previous owner of a successful cleaning and restoration firm. He also works as a trainer and consultant for business owners, managers, and front-line technicians. He can be reached at [email protected].

Topics Tags
 

Also in Business and Management

Stratus Clean
June 29, 2026 Elizabeth Christenson

Three-Tier Franchise Model & Rebranding Elevates Stratus Clean

June 29, 2026 Christian Morales

Tips for Integrating AI and Modern Tech into Your Cleaning Company

June 22, 2026 Jeff Cross

AI Mistakes: The Risks, Costs, and Realities

June 18, 2026 Jeff Cross

The Startup Window: Where New Cleaning Accounts Are Won or Lost

Sponsored in Business and Management

DCS Global
May 18, 2026 Sponsored by Novonesis

Where Cleaning Contracts Are Really Won or Lost

July 17, 2025 Sponsored by Sofidel

The Sofidel Standard: A Bold Sustainability Journey With a Conscience

July 3, 2025 Sponsored by City Wide Facility Solutions

Operational Excellence at Scale: The City Wide Solution to Facility Management

October 7, 2024 Sponsored by Spartan

Transforming Clean: An Inside Look at the Healthy Green Schools & Colleges Program

Recent News

HVAC Maintenance Tips, maintenance worker

Global HVAC Market Shows Steady Growth Through 2031

U.S. Employers Spend $1.7B Annually on Union Avoidance

San Diego Slashes Mission Bay Restrooms for $546K Budget Cut

Early Surge in West Nile Virus Cases

Do Commission Clawbacks Help or Hurt?
Share Article
Subscribe to CMM