Types of Compensation Plans 1. 2. 3. The four elements of compensation (Fixed element, variable element, fringe benefit & Reimbursements) are combined into hundreds of different plans. But Fringe benefit and expense reimbursement are never used alone, thus there are only 3 types of compensation plans Straight-Salary Plan Straight-Commission Plan Combination of Salary and variable elements.Straight Salary Plan » This is the simplest compensation plan, where salespersons receive fixed sums at regular intervals (usually weekly or monthly) representing total payments for their services. » Such plans are more common among industrial-goods companies than among consumer-goods companies. » It is suitable when the selling job requires extensive missionary or educational work, or when salespersons service the product or give technical advice to users, etc.