How to convince a sales rep to take a commission job?

I have contacted a sales rep with good experience and his recommendations are good. But he is interested in salary jobs that pay 80k, with me his 25% is six figures and he only has to sign 8 clients a month, which I’m sure will be interested in repeat business. He will only be cold calling, no traveling, so expenses will be minimal.

I know sales reps have concerns about working on commission. I think it’s worth the risk but maybe I am being biased. How can i get this sales rep to take the job, part time? What would you say?

I’m thinking someone with his experience and recommendations will be able to sign 8 clients fairly quickly.

If the commisson is your only cost of sales personel, then you shouldn't be too picky about recommednations and experience of potential candidate. Only thing you are intrested in is whether they can make a sale or not. Give chance to anyone who is willing to prove himself. If you present this job as a challenge and opportunity, I'm sure you will eventualy find some candidates. With this approach you can ofcourse expect more young people than old, given the fact that risk aversion increases with age.

Only thing you should be careful about is, that your salesmen don't damage reputation of your product and company, when trying all sorts of selling tehniques.

P.S. I don't know what your costs structure is, but if signing 8 clients is fairly easy, then you should reconsider whether 25% is appropriate commission rate. That's why doing sales by yourself at least on start, is not a bad idea; if you don't know what actual market response will be, it may be very likely that you are giving away either too much or too little.

If you don't have any sales history, you are guessing. No one believes your guesses.
Consider using an independent sales rep, or group, to get started. These organizations are more inclined to consider your offer because they have other similar lines of products and services.