Prospects will be best for those with the appropriate knowledge or technical expertise as well as the personal traits necessary for successful selling. Most employers use a combination of salary and commission or salary plus bonus. Commissions are usually based on the amount of sales, whereas bonuses may depend on individual performance, on the performance of all sales workers in the group or district, or on the company's performance. In addition to their earnings, sales representatives and engineers are usually reimbursed for expenses such as transportation costs, meals, hotels, and entertaining customers. They often receive benefits such as health and life insurance, pension plan, vacation and sick leave, personal use of a company car, and frequent flyer mileage.
Some companies offer incentives such as free vacation trips or gifts for outstanding sales workers.
Unlike those working directly for a manufacturer or wholesaler, manufacturers' agents are paid strictly on commission. Depending on the type of product or products they are selling, their experience in the field, and the number of clients, their earnings can be significantly higher or lower than those working in direct sales. In addition, self-employed manufacturers' agents must pay their own travel, entertainment, and benefit expenses. Links to non-BLS Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement. Manufacturers' Representatives Educational Research Foundation, P.O. Box 247, Geneva, IL 60134.