A good salesperson can sell $1,000,000 worth of goods, while a poor one can sell only $100,000 worth of goods. Job applicants know if they are good or bad, but the firm does not. A firm will offer job applicants a choice between a fixed salary and a 20% commission. Assuming risk-neutral salespersons and no opportunistic behavior, what level must the fixed salary be so that the firm can determine a prospective good salesperson from a poor one?

A) between $0 and $20,000
B) between $20,000 and $200,000
C) greater than $200,000
D) zero

ANSWER:

B) between $20,000 and $200,000