Promising orders in exchange for a percentage of sales

Shopify Discussion

Topic summary

Inquiry about a surge in unsolicited offers from “consultants” promising to generate orders for a 2–5% commission on sales. The poster used to deflect sales-improvement pitches by proposing commission-only work, which typically ended the conversation; now they receive exactly those offers, 6–12 times per day.

They suspect a scam but can’t identify the con and ask how such arrangements typically work or what the catch is. They state they won’t engage but want the mechanism explained.

No replies or evidence provided yet; no actions taken. Discussion remains open with the key question unanswered.

Summarized with AI on December 10. AI used: gpt-5.
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Lately we have been bombarded by emails and DMs from various “consultants” offering to bring in order for a 2%, 3% or 5% commission on sales. While we know enough to not take them up on their generous offer, I’m trying to wrap my head around how this scam works.

What is the con here? In the past, when we were approached by people saying they could improve our sales, I used to divert their attention by saying we didn’t have the budget, and that if they wanted to work on commission we’d discuss it. That would shut them up. Now we are getting these emails—6 to 12 EACH DAY—offering exactly that.

So what is the plan here? Obviously we have no interest in dealing with these people, but can someone explain the twist?