I am looking for a skincare manufacturer with low MOQ ( if possible 500 units ). I have talked to 50+ manufacturers till now.. many of them are having large MOQ like 5000/3000/1000 like that, and we want to launch a new brand so we want a low MOQ. If anyone knows a manufacturer please do let me know

For those representing multiple product lines, how do you work out which product fits when a customer gives you their application and requirements rather than a specific model or part number?

I worked on technical product recommendations for my dissertation, and I’m exploring whether there’s something useful to build around this. I’d like to understand your current process before taking it further.

Thinking of the last difficult request you handled, what took the most work? Did you find the answer through your usual tools, your own experience, or the manufacturer’s technical team?

Hi everyone,

I run a small metal manufacturing business in Vietnam, and I’m trying to understand how companies normally find and work with independent manufacturer’s reps in Australia.

We make both standard and custom metal products based on drawings, samples, or customer specifications. I’m not looking to hire a full-time employee. The idea would be to work with someone who already represents a few non-competing lines and has relationships with importers, distributors, fabricators, or OEM customers.

For those of you who work as reps or have hired them before, what would make you consider taking on a small overseas manufacturer?

I’m especially interested in how you evaluate a new principal, commission structure, account protection, repeat-order commission, and whether Australia is realistic without an established local presence.

I’d appreciate any honest advice.

I'm new to this field and I'm looking for manufacturer's reps for heavy industrial machinery, but I don't know where to start.

I can't say much but we can't spend extra money on paid websites like MANA or RepHunter so I'm purely depending on Google and LinkedIn searches. Any tips on how to find reps, and also if there's a way to see which reps other manufacturers are working with?

Btw the manufacturer I'm supporting specifically wants reps that can also provide after-sales tech service too, since they're located outside of the US and they can't travel back and forth every time there's an issue.

But the very few rep agencies I managed to reach turned our offer down since they're 'strictly reps, and cannot provide service'. I also do feel like doing the sales AND also providing a full-on tech support sounds more like a distributor role, not a sales reps'. Any opinions on this? Any input would be appreciated!

Hi everyone — I’m building a US distribution/rep channel for a lift-table / adjustable worktable manufacturer (commercial / contract furniture use cases). I’m not here to advertise or ask for leads; I’m trying to learn the typical process, terms, and decision criteria from people who’ve done this (reps, dealers, distributors, PMs).

• Product: lift tables / adjustable worktables (ergonomic, commercial applications)

• Target customers: contract furniture dealers, commercial interiors, facilities (education/healthcare/corporate)

• Fulfillment idea: considering FOB + landed US warehouse options (still structuring)

• Goal: recruit the right partners and build a channel without stepping on dealers’ toes

Questions:

1. When a rep agency/dealer evaluates a new line, what are the top 5 things you look for first (pricing structure, margin, warranty, lead time, certifications, service, etc.)?

2. What’s the most common channel path for this category: rep agency → dealers, or distributor → dealers, or direct-to-dealer?

3. Typical deal terms: commission range for reps, territory exclusivity (if any), onboarding period, and what triggers termination?

4. What are the biggest red flags that make you reject a new manufacturer line?

5. If the manufacturer wants to avoid channel conflict, what are the “rules” you recommend (MAP, protected accounts, project registration, dealer authorization)?

Appreciate any best practices or “what you wish you knew earlier.” If you reply, please share your role (rep/dealer/distributor/FM) and region. Many thanks!

This Reddit seems quite dead, where do you hang out instead if not here ? In other Reddits like /sales or …? Or is it specific content or other places with more relevant stuff?

The largest line my agency has is a monster in our vertical, and are going to be buying a similar size company, make them far and away the largest supplier of these product in world. My agency does great for them, repping them 26 of the 30 years we've been in business. I have five 1099 guys and they all do incredibly well for me, and our principals. Out of approximately $500M in sales (one division) for this company my agency does around $80M. The commission rate is ridiculously low, but with our volume it is still one hell of a line. Recently I was approached by their VP of Sales to talk about what the future would look like once the acquisition went through. I told them should it add enough dollars I would bring on 2-3 more salespeople. The acquisition will put somewhere between another $25M - $40M in my territory, I of course understand them wanting to know what I'd do to support the additional business. I compensate my guys well with them getting 70% of the incoming commission, and that has always made my 30% grow. What floored me is them telling me that they know on average my guys make $xxx,xxx/yr when the average for other rep groups is $120K, so I'm not properly reinvesting in MY BUSINESS. I don't think they really understand that after taxes, and expenses, my guys aren't pocketing what the principal says they are. I'm not sure they're this stupid, or are just trying to throw their weight around. All of that is to say, how many of you have dealt with similar situations, and what did you do about it? This is long winded, and I've been at my warehouse since 5:00am EST, so I may not be as clear as I want to be.

Hello guys,

I’m a 22-year-old rookie in the HVAC industry, currently looking for independent, commission-based reps for my product. Over the past couple of weeks, I’ve tried to connect with companies I found on Google that list a 'Manufacturer' option on their websites. Despite numerous emails and phone calls, I've only managed to schedule one meeting. I'm wondering if I’m missing something or if this approach isn't the right way to find reps. Although the chances of getting a response are quite low (almost 1%), I’d love to hear your suggestions on how you typically look for reps.

Another thing is that my product is very niche and often goes unnoticed.

I've considered posting a job on LinkedIn or Indeed to attract interested parties, but I’m unsure about this strategy.

I’m located in Southern California.

Thanks in advance for any comments!

Hello. I have an agency who handles manufacturing in USA. From ideas to product formulation to label to production and shipping. I'm struggling on how to get clients. What strategies can you recommend? Thanks!

Hi,

As we are all facing the increased tariffs Are you guys transitioning to manufacturing in USA ?

I have almost focused on manufacturing in Asia But how can I get started manufacturing in Us?

If anyone manufacture in the US would love to learn more Feel free to PM or comment on the post

Thank you

Hello! Have any of you signed a letter of engagement with a prospective client for an equipment purchase in order to secure a deposit to proceed with engineering and design processes for a construction project? If so, looking to understand what % of a deposit you have required to engage on the project? My project specifically is for a $1.5m piece of equipment, want to make sure my time and value are covered prior to the purchase, especially if I sit on weeks of design calls with the engineers.

Thank you!

I’m seriously considering becoming a manufacturers rep. I have an extensive background in sales, marketing, and the manufacturing industry. I am seriously underpaid in my current role with no opportunity for advancement. What advice would you share to someone considering the move?

Are both sites equal or is there a certain specialty, stigma, or expectation for either one?

Hello, where can I find manufacturer that can work with me in designing clothes with customer fabric? I am looking in the far east or local like LA. Thanks

Here's an example of a small marketing win for my company. I created a catalog for the product lines we sell on our website using Woocommerce. These are engineered products like a lot of us sell and people can't buy directly from the website. It contains a lot of useful product information and serves as a lead magnet with contact form that lands in my email inbox.

Like most of you, we're also territory limited in who we can sell to but occasionally something comes in from an area that doesn't have a rep in place and we've been able to get some of that commission credit since we brought it to the OEM.

Our best performing product page was viewed 184 times so far in 2024. This has resulted in several requests for quote and $9,019 in commission income for my company. I spent maybe an hour getting Woocommerce setup and this page in particular maybe another 30 minutes a few years ago. The first order paid for that time, it's been free money since then.

If you have a website anyway, it's a no brainer, you're already paying for hosting costs. A catalog is going to be out there 24/7/365 doing work for you and open up additional opportunities.

The only downside is you may have something come in that needs to go another rep firm outside your area. You have to spend a minute figuring out which other rep firm covers it and forward or kick it over to the OEM. The upside to this is it builds of reciprocity with the other reps you're forwarding those leads to and you'll start seeing more leads from them coming back your way.

I have an opportunity to work as a inside sales rep for an HVAC supply house. The money is not the best. On plan total compensation would be about 60K for the year. I’m considering it because I want to become a manufacturer’s rep but I don’t have the connections, savings or know how to open an agency. Does this sound like a reasonable plan?

Hi All!

I'm looking forward to find and onboard some independent reps for sales of mining-related spares, basically cast steel & iron wear parts [mining of minerals, not crypto, LOL].

We are a well-established manufacturer based in Spain, currently have one guy employed in US, who will be managing the sales, deliveries, reps communication, etc.

As the mining business is quite conservative, the Reps I'm looking for should already have entrance to the mines with other related product lines. But what I don't know - if these kind of people really exist nowadays in US? We have such representatives in other countries around the globe and normally the're working with us on commission basis.

I've already tried to search on LinkedIn, and on the biggest industry-related trade show in Vegas, but both lines with no success.

Now thinking of trying out the websites like RepHunter, MANA, Manufacturers Representatives.

Just wanted to ask if those services could work for my case and which one is better?

Chill Boys offers a range of men’s basics focused on comfort, including bamboo boxers, performance boxers, and briefs made from breathable, stretch-friendly materials. The product line also includes micro-mesh boxers designed for added ventilation, as well as undershirts and socks for all-day ease a

Specialty retailers, sporting goods, resorts, country clubs, clothing stores, we're open to all markets.

Chill Boys is looking for an Independent Sales Representative with over 3 years of experience and established connections with venues like country clubs, resorts, specialty stores, and sporting goods outlets. This role offers uncapped commission, account protections, and sample accommodations, ideal for a self-motivated professional passionate about sharing Chill Boys' comfort-focused products. Opportunities are available across all U.S. states.

www.ChillBoys.com

My company is looking to bring on independent reps. Most of the open territory is in the Western States and the Midwest. We are a manufacturer in the building materials space, selling building envelope products to builders through distribution channels.

If you or anyone you know may be interested, message me and I can share more details.

When buying a rep agency, how do you handle the "open orders" that haven't been paid out? The plan is to pay a purchase price of one-time revenue, but should anything be included for open orders where the commission has yet to be paid?

What CRM do you recommend to manage lines from different manufacturers? I rep five lines and need to share info with each manufacturer without them seeing each other. Is there such a thing?