It was the most unprofessional 1st interview ever. Loud music was playing in the background. Some people came to the waiting room with just jeans and a t-shirt. The application was 1 page long. During the interview I asked if the position was commission only, and the President said that it was "commission or base salary whichever's higher". I did not dare ask what it would be since it was only the 1st interview. He also said that we would be driving to various stores (unfortunately I did not ask if we were reimbursed for gas).
Then the 2nd interview which was called a "Day of O" (Day of Observation) I met my interviewer (and soon to be team captain/asst. Manager). I asked if I will be following him, he said that he would like a ride. I said that I wasn't comfortable with that, and he said that he didn't have a car because his license was suspended. I observed his "car-sales-manship" like ways in the store. I then asked if there was going to be a 3rd interview. The interviewer said to call the president in 1 hr (real professional).
I called him and asked questions about the benefits, he said that there were none, but that they would help you purchase insurance. I asked about a 401 (k) and then he went into a long monologue about how pensions failed America and said that you should prefer to be a manager and have $200k in your bank account. I then asked what the base salary was. He said $400 to $600 per week based on "performance and punctuality".
The first day I did well.
The next day I was practicing and during the morning meeting the president made fun of my practice pitch.
2 weeks later and I received my first paycheck. It was for $350 working 6 days a week. Turns out that the pay was "mininum wage or commission whichever's higher". It turned out that they had us driving at least 20 miles 1 way to each store. You also must use your own cell phone and minutes for calling the call center each time you weazel a customer, which at times could be lots of cell time. I have put on over 6000 miles on my car since I started 2 months ago. When I complained, they said that the you can write it off on your taxes (they didn't have a rebuttal when I stated that you can only write off a fraction of 69.5 cents per mile, mine would be 15% state taxes.
We were paid $25/lead for each home improvement lead.
A few weeks later $30/lead.
Then a co-worker complained about gas and quit.
Two days later the president stated that it was raised to $45/lead for windows & Siding, but only $20/lead for gutter protection starting the following Monday.
On Monday, he stated that we will be getting $40/lead for Windows or Siding but only if we reach 20 leads a week, and we still will only get $20 a lead for gutter protection; the president stated that he'd reimburse everyone who drive to "Allentown or Reading" $10 for gas (not even taking into consideration tolls and wear and tear). Empty promises; so unprofessional.
This is a company that is rampant with high turnover; the only people who stay are those who do not have a car. The top performer quit and is now working toward his Real Estate License.
During morning meatings the whole group chants "Juice" (I was never told what it means; but it was a brain-washing tool for Requiem of a Dream). It wasn't until much later that I learned what it meant when the president started telling new people what "Juice" means: "Join us in Creating Excitement; Join us in Creating Expansion". Also, the president resorts to putting down individuals and encourages Group Think by asking questions where you're expected to nod your head and if you say otherwise he will put the person down for their performance or not having a good attitude.
It turns out that the home improvements company that they are doing marketing for pays thier employees 50 dollars a lead and gives them a company car!
Stay away do'nt waste your time or gas or cell phone minutes!!
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