Field sales agent visiting local retailers

Manufacturers and suppliers pay you commission. Their buyers include independent retailers, hardware stores, cafes, pharmacies and trade customers.

Commission on orders, usually a percentage of wholesale value. Carrying several complementary product lines can increase earnings per visit.

• Face-to-face selling
• Route and territory planning
• Reliable follow-up and customer service

• Get a written agency agreement covering commission, territory, exclusivity and termination; consider legal advice
• Car insurance for business use, and check whether you are covered while carrying stock or samples
• Check whether you need an ABN and when to register for GST
• Fuel, tolls and vehicle costs are usually yours, so check your commission covers them
• Some products (food, cosmetics, electrical goods) have labelling or safety rules the supplier should meet; check with the supplier

Startup costs are typically estimated at around $500 to $4,000, depending on your vehicle needs, samples and materials. Fuel, tolls and vehicle costs are usually yours, so check that the commission on offer covers them.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on the products you represent, commission rates, your region and how many retailers you win. As an estimate, expect at least around 15 hours a week.

Get a written agency agreement covering commission, territory, exclusivity and termination, and consider legal advice. Check business-use car insurance, cover for carrying stock or samples, ABN and GST rules, and any labelling or safety rules the supplier should meet.