Did you know
According to VRP info, there are fewer multi-card sales agents than exclusive sales agents.
This article explains the differences between sales agents and sales representatives.
Comparative table between sales agents and independent sales representatives:
Travelling salespersons
Sales representatives
Status
Employee with an employment contract
Independent
Compensation
3 different options:
Fixed salary
Fixed salary + commission
Commissions only
Commissions only
Minimum remuneration
Equal to the SMIC if the sales agent is exclusive
No minimum remuneration unless specified
Subordination
Yes
No, independent
Social security contributions
Supported and paid for by the employer
Supported and paid for by the sales representative
Jurisdiction
Conseil des Prud’hommes
Commercial court
Should I choose a sales agent or a sales representative?
Both choices have their advantages and disadvantages.
- Sales representatives are self-employed. As such, the company can choose to call on them at any time, and define the contract as it sees fit.
- It only remunerates the sales representative on a commission basis, which means that the salary paid will depend on the sales representative’s performance.
- In addition, it pays no social security contributions and has no duty to “look after” the sales representative.
However, the independence of the sales representative can have disadvantages for the company:
- Sales agents are subordinate to the company, must follow the employer’s instructions and are aware of the company’s culture.
- They are more familiar with the various employees of the company in which they are employed, because unlike sales representatives, they are attached to it.
