One week ago, I was preparing to purchase a computer. My computer guru friend and I visited our local Best Buy and, with the help of a salesman, put together a package with printer and monitor that fit my budget. We had been discussing various computers but had narrowed it down to one model that we ultimately wanted. I asked for the price "out the door" including a performance contract. When I walked to the cashier, he typed in my order and it turned out to be $150 more than the price quoted by the salesman!
In frustration, we hailed the salesman to come to the cashier station. He seemed puzzled, and after several minutes said that he had made an error and quoted us the price of a different model. Also, he blamed the store's "system" for giving the wrong price on the extended warranty. He was unwilling to correct his error, didn't want to get a manager, and could only say "I am not on commission, and I can't change any prices in the computer". Needless to say, I walked out without purchasing a computer from Best Buy.
I spent over 5 years as a commissioned salesperson, and any time I made a serious pricing error I had to take the "hit" in my commissions. I guess being on commission is a good thing in terms of custormer service! We ultimately bought the system across the street at CompUSA - a vastly better experience, with commissioned salespeople and a terrific manager!
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