Commission-Only Deal Safety Checklist for Sales

Verbal promises disappear. Written terms are enforceable.

'When we get paid' means you'll wait months. Get specifics.

Is it signed contract or payment received? Know before you start.

No customers = you're doing product validation, not sales.

Free users don't prove people will pay. Revenue does.

Vague ICP means you'll waste time on bad-fit prospects.

No materials = you're building the sales motion from zero.

Slow founder = slow deal support = lost commissions.

Changing prices mid-deal kills your credibility with prospects.

Clawbacks for early churn are fair. 12-month clawbacks are not.

Know exactly what's yours. Avoid 'we'll figure it out' situations.

If founder couldn't sell it, why do you think you can?