Independent Sales Jobs

Independent sales jobs include a manufacturer's representative or network marketer.

Independent sales reps can be employed by companies or work for themselves. These sales professionals typically work on a commission basis, earning 5 percent to 15 percent on their net sales, according to BusinessTown. There are many types of independent sales jobs. People must find the one that best suits their interests, experience and personality.

Direct Seller

Direct sellers are independent sales jobs that people create for themselves by joining a large organization. For example, some cosmetics, perfume, gift, and cookware manufacturers use direct sellers to sell wares. A person can simply become a distributor by going to a meeting. Often, the only expense associated with direct sales is purchasing some samples and catalogs. Direct sellers can work part time or full time. Sellers usually sell to groups of people at prearranged parties, flea markets, by phone or the Internet. A direct seller's annal compensation is usually contingent upon effort and experience. Some people earn a few hundred dollars per month, while others make $3,000 to $5,000 and more per month.

Manufacturers' Representatives

A manufacturers' representative is usually employed by a company. These professionals sell to other businesses, organizations or government agencies, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, or BLS. Most manufacturers' representatives sell an extensive range of products, including food, industrial equipment or even auto parts. Manufacturers' representatives often sell for multiple companies. For example, a manufacturers' representative may sell toothpaste or bar soap for several major consumer products companies. Most companies prefer to hire someone with two or three years of sales experience for a manufacturers' representative position. These professionals, depending on their experience level, typically make between $40,000 and $90,000 per year, according to PayScale.

Independent Book Contractor

Some major book companies, especially school book sellers, hire people to work as independent contractors. These independent contractors are usually given a territory of schools or business accounts to set up displays or book fairs. Independent book dealers are responsible for collecting orders and storing books in a warehouse. Independent book sellers are essentially self-employed. They're responsible for their own training and traveling expenses. Income for an independent book contractor can vary from a few thousand dollars a month to more than $100,000, as of July 2010, depending on the size of the route.

Insurance Agents

Insurance agents are also property, life and even health insurance, according to the BLS. Some insurance agents even offer certain types of investment services. Insurance agents usually go through classroom training to prepare for a state license exam. They must take these exams every two years to stay current with industry practices. Insurance agents are also in business for themselves. Some companies pay their insurance agents a salary throughout their training, until the agents can learn the company's products and operations. Insurance agents also benefit from company advertising, but they must eventually pay their own expenses. Insurance agents earn an average of $45,430 per year, as of July 2010. The top 10 percent make more than $113,930 annually.

References

• Businesstown: Overview of Independent Reps
• Businesstown: Advantages and Disadvantages of Independent Reps
• PayScale: Salary Snapshot for Manufacturer's Representative Job
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Sales Representatives, Wholesale and Manufacturing
• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Insurance Sales Agents

Resources

• Network Marketing Business Journal: Resource for MLM or Network Marketing
• Direct Selling Association: Direct Sales Resource
• Direct Sales Careers: Information on Direct Selling
• Tenonline: Using Manufacturer's Reps