Independent Merchant Growth Contractor (1099, Flexible / Part-Time) | Unico Platforms, Inc. | Handshake

About Unico https://www.unico-app.com/ Unico helps merchants launch professional, customizable digital storefronts and lightweight operating tools with minimal disruption to how they already run their business. Role Overview Unico is looking for an independent contractor to help bring in new merchants through outbound outreach and relationship-building. This is a flexible, non-exclusive opportunity for someone who can independently source, engage, and convert merchants. Outreach may focus on channels such as Instagram, Yelp, Facebook, TikTok, email, and phone, but contractors are free to use any lawful and professional acquisition channel that produces results. This role is best suited for someone who is self-directed, comfortable with outreach, and interested in gaining hands-on experience in merchant acquisition, sales, and growth. We care about outcomes, including qualified merchant conversations, sign-ups, activation, and payment enablement. We do not require fixed hours or exclusivity. What You’ll Do

• Identify and reach out to prospective merchants that fit Unico’s target customer profile
• Use online and offline channels to generate merchant leads, including social media, direct outreach, referrals, and local networking
• Develop and refine outreach messaging, DMs, email copy, and introductory talking points
• Conduct introductory calls with merchants and explain Unico clearly and professionally
• Follow up with leads and move interested merchants toward sign-up
• Share feedback on objections, market response, and messaging performance
• Maintain a simple record of leads, outreach activity, and merchant status for commission tracking
• Coordinate with Unico on merchant handoff once a merchant is ready to onboard

Ideal Background

• Interest or experience in sales, business development, outreach, lead generation, or merchant acquisition
• Strong written and spoken English communication skills
• Comfortable conducting polished introductory calls with U.S. small business owners
• Comfortable with cold outreach and follow-up
• Good judgment in selecting channels, messaging, and target segments
• Self-directed, organized, and results-oriented
• Familiarity with SaaS, local merchant sales, e-commerce, booking tools, or payments is a plus

What Success Looks Like

• Qualified merchant conversations booked
• Merchants signed up through your outreach
• Merchants still active after 30 days
• Merchants that enable online payment
• Consistent pipeline generation and strong lead quality

Compensation

Compensation is milestone-based and will be finalized in a written contractor agreement. Typical structure may include:

• Monthly retainer of up to $300, depending on experience and scope
• $100 for each merchant that signs up through your efforts
• $50 for each referred merchant that remains active after 30 days
• $50 for each referred merchant that enables online payment

Engagement Structure

• Independent contractor / 1099 role
• Flexible, part-time, and non-exclusive
• Remote-friendly
• No fixed hours required
• Contractors may work with other clients or projects
• Contractors manage their own schedule, workflow, and methods
• Contractors provide their own equipment and tools unless otherwise agreed

Additional Notes This role is focused on merchant acquisition outcomes rather than hours worked. Contractors are expected to use lawful, professional outreach practices and comply with applicable platform rules and marketing laws. Final compensation terms, attribution rules, and milestone definitions will be set out in the contractor agreement. Please note: This is an independent contractor opportunity, not an employee role. Contractors are responsible for their own taxes and are not eligible for employee benefits.