The budget problem every founder faces
Most small businesses and startups hit the same wall. You need sales to generate revenue, but you need revenue to fund a sales team. It feels like a chicken and egg problem, and for years it was.
Hiring a single sales rep in Australia means committing to $70,000 or more per year in base salary, plus superannuation, equipment, and onboarding costs. For a business doing under $500,000 in revenue, that is a massive bet on one person.
But there is another way.
Commission only sales teams
A commission only model flips the equation. Instead of paying upfront and hoping for results, you pay a percentage of each sale after it closes. Your sales cost becomes variable, tied directly to revenue.
This means you can build a sales team of five, ten, or even twenty agents without spending a single dollar until money comes in. Your risk drops to near zero.
Where to find commission only agents
The challenge with commission only has traditionally been finding people willing to work on that basis. Cold outreach on LinkedIn or job boards rarely works because most candidates expect a base salary.
Platforms like Zepys solve this by connecting businesses directly with agents who actively choose to work on commission. These are people who understand the model and prefer it because of the earning potential and flexibility it offers.
Setting up for success
Even with zero budget for salaries, you need to invest time in a few areas.
Sales materials. Give your agents the tools to sell effectively. Product sheets, pricing guides, FAQs, and objection handling documents cost nothing but your time.
Clear commission structure. Be generous and transparent. If agents can see exactly how much they earn per sale, they will prioritise your product. Aim for commission rates that reflect the value of each customer.
Communication channels. Set up a simple group chat or regular check in. Agents perform better when they feel connected to the brand they represent.
Scaling without adding overhead
Once your first few agents are producing, scaling is straightforward. You do not need to hire a sales manager, lease office space, or build an HR function. You simply onboard more agents, refine your materials based on what is working, and let performance speak for itself.
The businesses that succeed with this model treat their agents as partners rather than employees. They share wins, provide fast commission payments, and keep communication open.
The bottom line
Having no budget is not a barrier to building a sales team. Commission only models, supported by platforms like Zepys, let you grow revenue first and invest later. The only cost is your willingness to share the upside with the people who help you earn it.