Complete Sales Survey Results
Open Ended Results
6/1/2007

Sales Rep Recruiting Survey

Part I


PERSONAL PROFILE

1-Are you an independent or company rep?

Independent Rep 82%
Company Rep 18%

2-Gender

Male 85%
Female 15%

3-Age

Under 25 years of age 0%
25-35 years of age 5%
35-45 years of age 21%
45-45 years of age 35%
55+ 39%



4-In which Region do you work?

Southeast 22%
Midlantic 3%
Northeast 21%
Dixie States* 0%
Rocky Mountain 5%
Midwest 28%
Southwest 10%
Pacific NW 4%
Western US 7%
Caribbean 1%
Hawaii 1%

*All reps working within the Dixie State area including LA, TN, AR, KY are listed under Midwest.


5-What type of lines do you carry? (If you carry multiple lines please indicate your primary one).

Equipment 22%
Apparel 50%
Accessories 11%
Services 2%
Other* 16%

*Most respondents who choose "Other" carry either all or multiple lines listed above.


6-How many lines/products/services do you carry?

1 line 20%
2-5 lines 46%
Over 5 lines 29%
Other, please specify 5%


7- How many years have you been repping in your territory?

0-2 years 6%
2-5 years 14%
5+ years 80%

8- Annual earnings:

Below $30,000 9%
$30,000 - $50,000 12%
$50,000 - $75,000 24%
$75,000 - $100K 26%
$100K+ 29%

Part II


CHOOSING NEW LINES

8-How often do you look for new lines/services?

Never 9%
Sometimes 42%
Always looking 49%

9-Biggest mistakes/turn-off new companies make when recruiting experienced reps?

Expect immediate results 52%
No draw or expense reimbursement 47%
Large up-front sample bills 61%
Other, please specify* 14%

*Other mistakes/turn-offs included poor customer service, marketing and slow commission payment.

10-If you chose higher commission as a primary reason to pick-up a new line, how much would the employer have to pay?

12% 23%
15% 54%
20% 11%
25% 1%
Other, please specify* 11%

*Most open ended responses stated that commission rate depends on the product. If the product/service can't sell, the commission rate is worthless or as one respondent eloquently noted: "25% of nothing = nothing".

11-What factors do you take into consideration when choosing a new line (choose top 2)?

Uniqueness of product 39%
Good fit with existing lines 65%
Strong brand 59%
Higher commission 18%
Other, please specify* 9%

*Responses included high level of customer service, strong profit margins at retail level and a product that creates consumer demand.

12-In your opinion, how can new companies best attract experienced reps (choose top 3)?

Pay guaranteed draw 1st 6 months 43%
Free samples 72%
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