How Should I Name the Temporary Allowance in Our Sales Staff Offer Letters?

I am hiring a few sales staff where they can earn more sales commission and less basic salary. In order to be fair with them, we know they cannot earn the sales commission for at least 3-4 months from the joining date. Therefore, I am planning to give them an allowance for these 3-4 months in addition to the basic salary so that they will be happy until they start getting sales commission from month 4.

Naming the Allowance in the Employment Offer

How can I call this allowance in the employment offer? I want some help to write this in the offer letter.

Nomenclature and Communication of Allowance

Nomenclature is not that difficult, but the manner and quantum are important. However, while introducing this as an allowance, you mentioned that it's likely this allowance will be withdrawn from the 4th month in place of the Sales Commission. This fact should be clearly communicated to everyone.

Possible Names for the Allowance

The name of the allowance could be: Special Allowance; Daily Allowance; Field Allowance; Allowance in lieu of Commission; Sales Allowance; Incentive; Interim Allowance; Induction Allowance; Training Allowance; Contingency Allowance; Target Allowance, and so on.

Sometimes, it's unavoidable to face resistance when you withdraw this allowance. Please take precautionary measures to avert any unrest among them.

To my mind, if you are sure that they are going to get a sales commission after 3-4 months from the date of joining, then you can create an ad hoc allowance. This can be paid to them in a slightly lesser amount (averaged out on a monthly basis) and mention clearly that this ad hoc amount would be stopped once they start earning a commission on sales. For a safer side, you can add a stipulation in the appointment letter like: "We are aware that during the initial 3-4 months or so, you will be unable to earn the sales commission. During this intermediary phase, we will be paying you a monthly lump sum amount of Rs.____ which will be discontinued w.e.f._____ or from the month you start earning Sales Commission."