Using Sales Reps to Sell Your Products

If you long to see your crafts in retail stores, but detest approaching businesses yourself , or if you are too busy in day to day business or family obligations to approach potential resalers yourself, perhaps it is time to hire a sales rep.

Hiring a sales rep (or reps) is also an important step for crafters who want to sell their crafts in retail stores on a national level, something that is much more difficult to achieve by yourself.

Sales reps are generally hired as an independent contractor, and are paid on a commission basis (because these reps often represent several businesses, you do not pay by the hour). Commission generally runs about fifteen to twenty per cent of all generated sales. Many businesses also offer their reps bonuses for commission over a certain dollar figure, and some will cover reps expenses.

Sales reps can also represent you at large state and national tradeshows, where many orders are often generated. This exposure and orders are usually well worth the expense when you have a great sales rep.

You will want to have a contract when you hire your independent rep. This will protect your business incase of a falling out. As always, you should have your attorney review any business contracts you use.

How do you find and hire a rep? Ask non-competing crafters for referrals (it makes no sense for you to hire a sales rep who also already is working for a crafter who sells similar products to yours.) You may also have someone in mind who knows the craft who is interested in a job as a sales rep for you.

About Us | Contact Us | Submission Guidelines |Privacy policy
Copyright 2001-2012