Full-time sales rep covering a regional territory

Suppliers pay you commission on sales. Their buyers, such as independent stores, restaurants, contractors or facilities managers, pay the suppliers.

Commission on every order across your product lines. Several lines spread the risk, and repeat orders from established accounts build steady income over time.

• Sales and relationship building
• Territory and route planning
• Product knowledge and negotiation

• Vehicle costs and travel time: factor in gas, insurance and wear on your car
• Check general liability insurance and whether suppliers or buyers require it
• Check your state and county for business license and sales tax requirements, which vary by location
• Written agreements matter: check commission on orders after you leave a line and who owns the customer relationship
• Expect a slow start, since commission only arrives once accounts place orders and pay
• If you hire reps later, check workers' compensation and employment rules in your state

Estimates put startup costs typically around $1,000 to $5,000, depending on your vehicle, samples and equipment. Commission only arrives once accounts order and pay, so expect a slow start and plan your cash accordingly.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,500 to $7,500, depending on the lines you carry, how many accounts you win and how quickly they order. Expect a slow start before commission begins to arrive.

Check your state and county for business license and sales tax requirements, which vary by location. Also check general liability insurance, whether suppliers or buyers require it, and written agreements on commission after you leave a line and who owns the customer relationship.