Field sales agent visiting trade customers

Suppliers pay you commission on orders. Independent shops, garden centres, hospitality businesses and trade buyers place the orders.

Commission on each supplier's sales, usually a percentage of order value. A mix of several suppliers helps spread the risk if one stops trading or changes terms.

• Route planning and time management
• Selling face to face
• Handling rejection and following up
• Basic record keeping and invoicing

• Commercial Agents Regulations 1993 may apply to your agreements, so get the contract checked by a solicitor or trade body
• Fuel, vehicle and insurance costs can eat into commission, so check business use cover on your car
• Income can vary a lot month to month, especially early on
• Check who bears the risk if a customer does not pay the supplier
• Avoid carrying competing product lines unless your contracts allow it

Startup costs are estimated at typically around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your vehicle, samples, insurance and the suppliers you represent. Fuel, vehicle and business use insurance are worth budgeting for, as they can eat into your commission.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around £1,000 to £5,000, depending on your suppliers, route and how established you are. Income can vary a lot month to month, especially early on, so plan for uneven months.

The Commercial Agents Regulations 1993 may apply to your agreements, so get the contract checked by a solicitor or trade body. Also check who bears the risk if a customer does not pay the supplier, and whether competing lines are allowed.