'How To Be A Freelance Sales Agent'
A Sales Agent is a self employed salesperson who works, usually alone, for perhaps several non competing companies. The Sales Agent obtains orders for those companies and is paid commission on those orders.
The Sales Agent usually works in a specific area of industry and within geographical limits. It is usual for the Sales Agent to keep his agencies within the same industry. A major advantage is the ability of a Sales Agent to offer his customer a range of products rather than the single product that an employed salesman can offer.
You can start tomorrow. You may operate under your own name or you may trade as a company. It is not necessary to register the company if you do not want to form a limited company. (speak to an accountant on this).
If you use a name other than your own you are described as xxxxx, (your name), 'Trading As', xxxxx (your company name). In all circumstances you must inform your local Inland Revenue Office that you have commenced trading, (sorry but the dreaded Self Assessment comes in).
Most important is that you have some sales experience. And if you don't then find a DSA (direct selling association) member company and learn the ropes. It is possible to come from a non selling background and build a tremendous business, earn plenty, become an effective Sales Agent witha DSA company and earn whilst learning to sell. Selling is about taking the hard knocks and not becoming disheartened. Being a Sales Agent is even more so because if you don't sell you don't eat. If you are not afraid of having variable earnings and are determined you can make it a success, you will. Often you can enhance income by getting your own sub agents and that can be a wonderful income stream
It will depend on what you sell. If you are selling quick turnover, high volume, repeat order products around 10% is the norm. If you are selling high value items with long lead times 20%, even 30% is required. You will have to wait a long time for the sale to mature and you are at greater risk of losing the order. When getting started look for highly consumable or repeatable that you cannot buy on the shelf of your average shop
Not a lot, if you already have transport to get you to the customers. You will need a telephone and some headed notepaper. If you have a computer this will save on this cost and also make letter writing and accounting less costly. Things like visiting cards are sometimes supplied by your principals, you will need to project you own image as an independent agent by having your own printed material. Resist the temptation to print these on your computer. They usually are cheap and look it.
The major place to find genuine agency opportunities is by joining MAA or AgentBase. Many 'so called' agencies are advertised in local and national newspapers but beware. Some of them are 'Pyramid Schemes' and some need you to invest thousands of pounds and no return if it goes wrong. The DSA website is good and also the MAA or AgentBase publishes a regular magazine carrying adverts from Principals seeking Sales Agents in all industries. Once you are established many agencies are passed on by word of mouth from other Agents who work for the same Principals as you do.
Initially only one until you have gained some experience. Once you feel comfortable with the concept of being your own boss you can expand your number of agencies gradually but do not collect agencies. Remember each one has to be serviced and all Principals seem to want you to spend all your time pushing their product. Too many agencies can call your integrity into question.
A surprising amount. There is a piece of legislation called 'The Commercial Agents Regulations 1993' which dictates that you must have a contract with your Principal and that contract must have certain protection and obligations for both parties enshrined in it. Copies of this can be obtained on the HMSO Website, Free legal advice and many other benefits for members are afforded by joining the 'PROFESSIONAL SALES ASSOCIATION'. Tel 0207 407 8833.
Most Sales Agents consider themselves to be at the pinnacle of their sales career. They rely on their professionalism, salesmanship and customer relations to earn their living. In return it is theoretically possible to enjoy an income far in excess of that usually earned by a paid salesman.
The only limit to the size of their earnings is the amount of time, effort and salesmanship they put in. Not for them the petty squabbles, rivalry and jealousy that arise when such earnings are within a company structure.
My own reasons for this are not just the potential earnings I really enjoy the satisfaction derived from nobody telling me what to do, when to do it, how much I will get paid and when I take free time.
I really enjoy roaming around the world doing business!
If you are new to this or need to make money before waving two fingers at the boss (no matter how you feel about your employer be polite as they will be your best prospects) and running a business your way needs some practice simply join an MLM company or go to the DSA website as these companies are great at getting you in business very fast.
A great business to take a look at is here
Opportunity Presentation
This business cost me about £200 to start and has returned more than £1 million in income.
Once established it takes a few hours a month to run .
I will not give you a 100% promise of £1Million as the variable factor is your skills and how hard you work. What I will do is show you how to start a business,
supply you with all the support needed to become successful and pr...ovide
you with the required knowledge necessary to build up a
profitable, viable business as a manufacturers agent and work from home business.
Give me a call and I will get you started!
Cheers
Richard
0845 056 9325
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