What type of sales representative contracts with manufacturers to sell their goods?

The role of an independent sales representative is to act as an intermediary between manufacturers and their customers. These representatives work on a commission basis and are not permanently employed by the manufacturers they represent. Instead, they establish contracts with manufacturers to promote and sell their goods, leveraging their existing network and sales skills to increase the manufacturer's market reach.

Independent sales reps are particularly valuable for smaller or niche manufacturers who may not have the resources to maintain a full-time sales team. They enable manufacturers to tap into different market segments without incurring the costs associated with staffing a dedicated sales force. This structure allows for greater flexibility and can lead to a more efficient sales process as the independent rep manages multiple accounts and seeks out new opportunities on behalf of the brands they represent.

Other options such as a direct sales force involve employees of the manufacturer who are specifically hired to sell their goods, while brokers operate to facilitate sales without taking ownership of the products. Distributors, on the other hand, buy and warehouse goods to sell them to retailers or end-users directly, which is a different function from that of an independent sales representative.