Agent middlemen normally specialize by customer type and product or product line. Types of Agent Middlemen Manufacturers Agent. These sell similar products for several noncompeting producers for a commission on what is actually sold. Such agents can often easily add product lines and piggyback sales from a variety of producers to custom-fit a sale to meet the customer s needs. Export or Import Agents are basically manufacturers agents specializing in international trade.
Brokers bring buyers and sellers together.
Their distinction is that their relationship with buyers and sellers tends to be temporary, lasting only while the deal is negotiated. Export and import brokers specialize in bringing together buyers and sellers from different countries. Selling agents take over the whole marketing job of producers. They have control over pricing, selling, and advertising, operating as the producers marketing manager. A combination export manager is a blend of manufacturers agent and selling agent.