Weekends Only Shifts to Non-Commission Sales

August 26, 2015  by in Business Strategy, Furniture Retailing, Industry   

The change was implemented in the company’s five stores earlier this month.

"By switching to non-commission, it allows customers to feel even more confident that the Weekends Only sales staff is helping them find the best solutions for their needs," said Lane Hamm, president. "We listen and are only interested in helping customers find the furniture that meets their needs. Nothing more, nothing less."

The decision to switch to a non-commission system has been in development for three years. The change was supported by customer research that showed customers like a friendly, low-pressure sales approach. 

The non-commission system was tested for throughout last year at the company’s Fairview Heights, Ill., store. 

John Wennemann, director of human resources, said the non-commission system creates a better working environment for employees. Using sales data, the company created a formula to calculate hourly wages to ensure employees would be earning comparable income under the new system. The response from managers and sales staff has been positive.

Pay starts at $11.50 per hour for a home furnishings assistant. Based on an employee’s ability to match furniture with the customer’s needs, the employee can be promoted to an advisor and then a consultant where pay can be as high as $24 an hour.

“We provide a living wage, with the opportunity to grow your pay based on performance, and a predictable income without a conflict of interest in selling," Wennemann said. "It’s better for our customers and our employees."

Weekends Only has five locations in the St. Louis area and recently opened its first location in Indianapolis.  The retailer is currently hiring in both St. Louis and Indiana.

"My vision is that Weekends Only serves as an agent for human happiness – for our associates, our customers and the community," adds Weekends Only CEO Tom Phillips. "I believe that engaged associates create engaged customers. Our unique culture is helping us create a sustainable organization of value, an enduring corporation that makes the world a better place."