By David Fenton, an independent commission-only sales agent for over 30 years

Earn what you are worth and never be out of a job. That is not a slogan, it is how commission-only selling has worked for me for over 30 years. And if one door closes on you, there is always another door: a career as a self-employed sales agent, with complete independence, uncapped earnings and no upper age limit. A redundancy or a knock-back is a gross inconvenience, not the end of the world. Here is how it works, and why I would not go back.

• How I became a commission-only sales agent
• Yes, you can sell, you have done it already
• How commission-only selling actually works
• Age and circumstances are no barrier
• Hold more than one agency and stay busy all year
• The one real downside
• Ready to start? Make it happen

How I became a commission-only sales agent

I have been an Independent Commission-Only Sales Agent for over 30 years. And guess what? I am loving every minute of it. Here are some very sensible reasons and explanations that should inspire you to just copy me.

If we go back about 30 years ago, I was made redundant by a major tee-shirt printing company. Actually it was their predator company that made me redundant. You see, the company I was working for was, in fact, doing very well, so well, their major competitor made them an offer they couldn’t refuse. Once in, the new take-over company favoured their own staff and I was out. Redundancy! That was the third time. Never again, I said.

Within 24 hours I was on the phone to some other companies in the promotional field asking for employment. I was used to having a basic salary and some commission. One company said “We can offer you a position immediately David but commission only”.

With little choice at the time, I decided to take it. And 30 years on, although not with the same company now, I am here today: a commission-only sales agent. It really is a different and most exciting world.

Yes, you can sell, you have done it already

Before you run away and say things like “I can’t sell”, let me prove to you that such comments are often far from the truth.

One of the most expensive things that many of us have sold is our own house or our own vehicle. Guess what! On that occasion, don’t tell me you never bothered to get the house really cleaned up whilst waiting for a prospective buyer. The smell of coffee, the sweet smile of “Do come in”, your superb attitude when showing them around. Don’t tell me that before the car buyer came along you didn’t bother to really clean that car like never before, so much so that it made it almost unbearable to sell! Sure you did!

When you first met your partner, you were selling yourself.

So let’s get real now. Do you have a hobby or interest? You can adapt your experience of either into becoming a sales agent for a business that sells the products or services that relate to it. You may already have experience in a particular market sector from a previous job, and that will give you an advantage in securing a position. There is no excuse not to take action.

How commission-only selling actually works

As a commission-only sales agent you are truly independent. You are self-employed and you run it as your own business. If you are just starting out, my recommendation is to join a company that provides you with qualified leads. These leads are potential buyers who have already been screened and are showing interest in the product or service that you are selling. All you have to do is make a presentation and sell the product to someone who is already interested.

The whole process of securing such an agency is far more relaxed than going for a basic salary position, because the company pays on results, which minimises their risk. You, on the other hand, can earn as much as you can without restrictions. More and more companies are choosing to appoint commission-only sales agents in place of fully employed sales people, which means there has rarely been a better time to secure this type of arrangement quickly.

Different companies work in slightly different ways, so you need to check the terms and conditions to make sure that both parties are being reasonable.

Age and circumstances are no barrier

Too old? Back against the wall? Don’t try that one! I am well past the age most people retire, and I am as busy as ever. If I can do it, so can you. How? Because I am here to help you.

I have been a self-employed sales agent for over 30 years, as well as being a qualified Life Coach, Management Trainer and Business Development Consultant. For me it is a privilege to be associated with Salesagents.uk. My work involves helping to secure sales agents for companies who are looking to expand their sales force, and self-employed sales agents are fast becoming a far greater need than salaried people. As a sales agent you can enjoy complete independence with an uncapped earnings potential.

Hold more than one agency and stay busy all year

You are not restricted to just having one agency. Just imagine you are working full time for a company selling seasonal products, where the main proportion of the annual turnover falls in the summer months. That can be quite soul-destroying for full-time reps in the quiet period, particularly if summer was not as lucrative as expected.

Having another agency that fills the quiet time is a great way to maintain a steady income throughout the year. Again, that is the benefit of being self-employed.

These days, a great deal of selling that once happened face to face has moved to the telephone and to video link. It is not surprising how many people who are used to meeting in person find great difficulty when it comes to working remotely. Telephone skills and techniques are different to those used at face-to-face meetings, so this is a skill well worth developing (more on that below).

The one real downside

Is there a downside? Yes, only one. There is no room for laziness. Make every day count. Use your time wisely and you will be amazed how many new contacts you can make that will enrich your life and give you fulfilment.

Ready to start? Make it happen

The present environment offers rich pickings for anyone willing to take action and re-adjust for the future. Now is the right time to act and change your life for the better. I am busier than ever, and you can be too.

Meanwhile, scan through the current adverts in the opportunities for sales agents section, or browse opportunities by sector to find a market you already know. You could easily find that you could be starting work immediately.

I wish you every success for a brighter future. Make it happen!