Should you be paid for recommendations?

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[beercohol]

Let's put this in perspective.

Would you recommend a particular software solution to a client if that software vendor agreed to pay you a commission?

So here's an example:

1. You walk into your new contract, you see an opportunity for them to benefit from a solution you know about. You make a recommendation to them and pass their information back to the software vendor (with their permission I suppose).

(You) "Hey, you guys are using dodgy software for your *whatever* system, you should use *Vendor Name*! Its awesome."

(spotty permie) "Really? You're the contractor so you know exactly what you're talking about. Tell me more."

(You) "Sure, I have a contact. I'll make a call. Its definitely worth it. I'll pass on your details, get you a special deal."

(spotty permie) "Wow, you make me feel important. You are actually sharing your powerful contacts with me! I feel so privileged."

2. You wait for the software vendor to make a sale with the lead you passed them. If they succeed, they send you a cheque (perhaps 5% of the sale price). So no real work on your part.

If your next client needs the product, you do the same gig. Its like an extra revenue stream for your contracting business.

Now assuming the software vendor is trustworthy (yeah right), and gives you good online tools to submit leads, and you can track the status of the sale online (come on, work with me here). And of course also assuming you liked the product yourself.

Would you? (I probably would).

Are there any examples of this for contractors? (I haven't seen any)

Please give feedback.