Today’s manufacturer has several different options to take their products to market. Whether it’s the Internet, a direct sales force, or network of independent manufacturers’ representatives the question remains the same: How can a manufacturer bring their products to market in the most efficient and cost-effective way? With studies showing that the average sales call costs more than $300, manufacturers can’t afford to make the wrong decision.

The independent manufacturers’ sales representative is a proven cost-effective alternative to a direct sales force. The Manufacturers’ Representative Educational Research Foundation (MRERF) in a recent article in Fortune magazine summed it up best with these Benefits of Outsourcing Field Sales using manufacturers’ sales representatives:

• Predictable sales costs that go up and down with sales.
• Standardized sales costs.
• Lower sales costs.
• Immediate market penetration.
• More experienced sales force.
• Multi-faceted, multi-skilled sales team.
• Wider, deeper coverage.
• Stronger local relationships.
• Reduced sales force turnover.
• Training required only on product.
• Closer-to-the-customer forecasting.
• Better market intelligence.
• Increased sales.
• Knowledgeable advice and information — hear it like it is!
• Risk-free exploration of new market niches.
• Problem-solving approach outperforms product selling.
• Vested partner in manufacturer’s success.

The value that manufacturers’ representatives bring — both to those they sell to and those they sell for — emerges in great measure from the synergy created through the representation of multiple lines. The reps’ tenure in the territory and deep relationships with key customers allow manufacturers immediate face-to-face selling time of their products. Today’s independent manufacturers’ sales representative offers the most cost-effective and efficient method to market with the most professional sales and marketing services available.

Manufacturers, you can’t go wrong with reps!