SPIFF vs regular commission
- Commission — standing plan: rates, quotas, tiers, accelerators.
- SPIFF — temporary program with a start/end date and simple rules.
Example: you already earn 8% commission, plus a $200 SPIFF for each unit of Product X sold in March.
Common SPIFF types
- Per unit / per deal — fixed dollars each time you close the promo SKU.
- Percent of deal — extra % on eligible revenue during the promo.
- Contest pot — total prize pool split by rank or share of wins.
The full suite supports all three modes: SPIFF calculator.
Watch-outs
- Does the SPIFF stack with accelerators or replace them?
- Is it paid on bookings, collections, or after a trial period?
- Are there caps per rep or team?
- Is it taxable the same way as commission? (Usually yes — confirm with payroll.)
Related tools
Full SPIFF modes Accelerators Simple commission
FAQ
What does SPIFF stand for?
Origins are debated (often linked to old sales slang). In practice it means a short-term sales incentive payment.
Is a SPIFF guaranteed?
Only if you meet the written promo rules during the window. Always keep the SPIFF memo.