Are independent sales representative job opportunities growing or declining?

Are jobs in this industry on the rise? Are there any sub-sectors that are growing?

Where are the jobs? Which places have the most independent sales representative opportunities?

Independent Sales jobs are declining!

Well I should say that more people are dropping out now because of the
economy.

Its really sad it used to be such a great job, but now you can barely
make a living.

Independent Sales Network in Springfield, Missouri said: We recently started an online network/forum for medical independent sales representatives to find new product lines. Visit us at www.independentsalesnetwork.com if you are interested viewing medical product lines to sell.

What does it take for someone like myself who has been a sales rep in the dental arena, calling on Oral Surgeons, Prosthodontists, General Dentists, Endodontists, etc. to become an Independent Sales Rep.? How can I best educate myself in order to break into this business? I have a Bachelors in Health Sciences and am currently working on a Masters in Business Administration.

I'm in the bridal industry and road rep positions are definitly declining! They are next to impossible to find, particularly, for someone young. Most of the reps are in their 50's and hang on to the good lines for dear life until they are so old they can't carry their bags anymore.

And no, you can't make a living anymore unless you carry multiple lines..meaning at least 5.

Host said: Are jobs in this industry on the rise? Are there any sub-sectors that are growing?

Where are the jobs? Which places have the most independent sales representative opportunities?

Here is a good article that truly defines why companies are looking to the independent rep vs traditional sales force. There is a transition in the thought of what is available as far as the quality of rep. There are those that are order takers and then there are those that pride themselves in being an expert in the industry and can influence market share because of their presence.

www.streetdirectory.com/travel_guide/16732/sales/manufacturers_increase_sales_with_independent_sales_reps.html

After a long hiatus from being a manufacturer's rep I am wondering if it is time to take the plunge and take some lines again. Does anyone think there will be a future in construction and architectural lines in 2010?

I Have a new product that I need sold.A amalgam separator designed and tested by the U.S. Navy. This product is a huge money maker. Just got the right to sell outside the gov. Our web site is www.chairsidefilter.com or email me direct dmendlik@hotmail.com.

I work with an Independent Repping firm and in the past 36 months, we have lost 19 product lines. The lines are good, but each manufacturer is expecting sales to grow the way it did 10 or 15 years ago. Times are tough and there is more competition than ever before. The Internet has opened the door to a new Independent Rep that doesn't even go to the doctors anymore. Extremely difficult competing with that.