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What is a manufacturers' representative?

A definition of manufacturer reps and how they sell physical products on behalf of manufacturers.

Ryan Mattock avatar
Written by Ryan Mattock
Updated this week

A manufacturer’s representative is a type of independent sales representative who specializes in selling physical products for manufacturers. Manufacturer reps typically work within defined industries or territories and sell to distributors, wholesalers, retailers, or end customers, depending on the business model.

Unlike distributors, manufacturer reps do not purchase or hold inventory. Instead, they earn commission on the sales they generate while the manufacturer handles production, fulfillment, and billing.

Many manufacturer reps represent multiple complementary product lines, allowing them to maximize revenue by selling related products to the same customer base.

This sales model is especially common in industrial, manufacturing, and wholesale sectors, where long-term relationships and deep product knowledge matter more than transactional selling. For manufacturers, rep partnerships provide market coverage and industry access without building an in-house sales force.

Where can I hire Manufacturers' reps?

The most effective way to hire manufacturers’ reps is through a dedicated independent sales rep network that specialises in commission-only and performance-based sales partnerships.

Platforms like CommissionCrowd connect manufacturers with independent manufacturers’ representatives who already have industry relationships, established territories, and experience selling complex products.

Rather than recruiting full-time sales employees or relying on traditional rep agencies, manufacturers can use CommissionCrowd to access a global network of 1099 manufacturers’ reps across multiple industries.

Companies can list opportunities, define commission structures, target specific markets or regions, and connect directly with reps who are actively seeking new partnerships.

Hiring manufacturers’ reps through CommissionCrowd allows businesses to scale sales without the fixed costs of salaries, benefits, or long-term employment commitments. This commission-only model aligns incentives, reduces risk, and enables manufacturers to expand into new territories or verticals faster.

For manufacturers looking to grow efficiently, hiring independent reps through CommissionCrowd provides a flexible, scalable alternative to building an in-house sales team — while maintaining control over brand positioning, pricing, and sales strategy.

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