Independent medical supplies sales rep

The manufacturer or distributor pays you commission. The buyers are healthcare organizations such as physician practices, surgery centers, long-term care homes and small hospitals.

Commission on each sale, usually a percentage of the order value, plus repeat commission on reorders of consumables. Some lines also pay a small retainer.

• Relationship-based selling
• Learning product details quickly
• Patience with long buying decisions
• Organized follow-up

• Read the agent agreement carefully: territory, exclusivity, commission timing and what happens to accounts if you part ways
• Many facilities require vendor credentialing and may limit rep visits, check each site's policy
• Hospitals often buy through group purchasing contracts, so independent clinics and care facilities are usually an easier start
• Check whether you need general liability or errors and omissions insurance, and any state rules on selling medical devices
• Income is irregular and can take months to start because sales cycles are long

Startup costs are typically around $500 to $3,000, depending on travel, samples and any insurance you take on. The supplier ships and invoices orders, so you don't hold stock yourself.

Monthly revenue is typically estimated at around $1,000 to $5,000 in commission, depending on your products and territory. Income is irregular and can take months to start because sales cycles are long.

Check the agent agreement for territory, exclusivity and commission timing. Also check each facility's vendor credentialing and rep visit policies, whether you need general liability or errors and omissions insurance, and any state rules on selling medical devices.