Companies pay salespeople according to how much they sell to customers. Do the advantages outweigh the disadvantages both to salespeople and customers? | Real exam ielts writing task 2 |

Sample Answer

In many organizations, sales representatives are rewarded based on the volume of products or services they manage to sell. While this approach can bring some clear benefits for both employees and consumers, it also has potential drawbacks. In my view, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages, provided that ethical standards are maintained.

On the one hand, paying salespeople according to their sales performance can be highly motivating. It encourages employees to put more effort into persuading customers, improving their communication skills, and achieving company targets. For ambitious individuals, this performance-based pay structure offers the opportunity to earn more than a fixed salary, which can boost job satisfaction. From the customers’ perspective, motivated salespeople are often more enthusiastic, knowledgeable, and willing to provide detailed product information, which can help customers make informed decisions.

On the other hand, this system can also create pressure and unhealthy competition. Sales staff may prioritize profit over customers’ actual needs, persuading them to purchase unnecessary or overpriced products. For example, in the financial sector, aggressive selling of unsuitable insurance or investment plans has often led to customer dissatisfaction and mistrust. Furthermore, salespeople who fail to meet targets may face financial insecurity, which can reduce morale and increase staff turnover.

Despite these drawbacks, I believe the advantages outweigh the disadvantages. If companies establish clear ethical guidelines and monitor sales practices, performance-based pay can drive productivity without harming customers’ interests. Many successful organizations strike this balance by combining commission with a base salary, ensuring that employees remain motivated while still providing honest advice.

In conclusion, paying salespeople according to the amount they sell has both benefits and risks. Nevertheless, with proper regulations in place, this system is more advantageous, as it boosts employee motivation and can enhance customer service, ultimately benefiting both parties.

---

✨ Band 8+ Features in this Answer:

• Clear introduction with a position.

• Balanced discussion of both advantages and disadvantages.

• Examples to strengthen arguments.

• High-level vocabulary: informed decisions, aggressive selling, mistrust, morale, productivity.

• Smooth connectors: On the one hand, On the other hand, Despite these drawbacks, In conclusion.

---