Sales reps differ from in-house salespeople in that they don't work for you as employees and you are not their boss. They just represent you. Typically those operations that utilize reps are too small or lack the financial resources to hire their own full-time sales personnel. This is especially true if the company sells its products or services over a widegeographic area. Independent sales reps allow a firm to enter and service many markets economically.
Reps work only on commission.
With an in-house deadbeat salesperson, you pay salary until the employee quits. With an independent rep, you pay based entirely on performance. Reps do not contribute to overhead. They pay for their own office, computer, car and health insurance. Reps have contacts in the field and can often get product placement because they know the buyers and have previously worked with them.