:: Frequently Asked Questions - Sales Agents

Questions Asked By Sales Agents

1. Why use Agent Hunter?
2. How does Agent Hunter work?
3. What membership statuses are there for Agents?
4. Why is Agent Hunter better then other methods of finding Suppliers?
5. How do I know if Agent Hunter has Suppliers in my industry?
6. What terms do the Suppliers agree to?
7. What does Agent Hunter guarantee?
8. How long has Agent Hunter been operating?
9. How big is Agent Hunter?
10. What do I get for Free Listing (becoming a Trial Member)?
11. What do I get for becoming a Full Member?
12. What is Agent Hunter’s success rate in finding Suppliers?
13. Do you do credit checks on Suppliers?
14. How much does Agent Hunter cost?
15. I only want to find one more Supplier. Why do I need to subscribe for 12 months?
16. What happens if a Supplier does not respond to my Contact Request?
17. How do I effectively search for and contact the Suppliers I am looking for?
18. I have never worked as an independent Sales Agent before. What suggestions can you provide?
19. How do I log in to my profile?
20. How do I update my profile?
21. How do I look up the profile of a Supplier using their Member ID number?
22. How do I get contact information for a Supplier who has tried to contact me?
23. How do I search for Suppliers by territory?
24. I am having trouble logging in. Can you help?
25. I am having trouble receiving Agent Hunter email. Can you help?

Answers for Agents

1. Why use Agent Hunter?
Our primary objective is two fold:

To assist Sales Agents (Independent Commissioned Sales Reps) to find Suppliers (Wholesalers, Importers, Manufacturers, Resellers or Distributors).
To provide an association type environment that utilizes your buying power within a group, to set some standards and provide Agents with member benefits and services.

Agent Hunter is designed to support you in finding suitable Suppliers Australia-wide whenever required.
We have developed *The Largest Supplier’s database in Australia and it continues to grow every day.
Our database captures essential information that you require to make informed searches when looking for the right Suppliers.
Our documents also assist you in choosing the right Suppliers and to understand what Suppliers look for when selecting an Agent.
Our unique service is the only one of its kind – allowing you to find Suppliers specific to your requirements Australia-wide and anytime of the year.
Agent Hunter’s profiled Suppliers must agree to these terms:

They are actively searching for Agents.
They are looking for commissioned based Sales Agents.
They will respond, interested or not, to any contact request within 5 working days.

We save you time and money in locating Suppliers and then initiate your first conversation.
Our service works in four ways to assist you in finding the right Suppliers for you to represent.

By providing information that will assist you in selecting the right Suppliers.
By, allowing you the ability to search our database and make contact with the Suppliers of your choice.
By allowing Suppliers to search and find you anytime of the year.
By providing access to our Hot Opportunity Notice Board - allowing agents to find the latest product lines. (coming soon)

Our service also gives you many discounts on professional services, to assist you in saving and information to support the development of your business.

2. How does Agent Hunter work?
Interested Suppliers come to our web site and Free List, providing us with their profile (including such things as the territory they are requiring an Agent in, current product lines and target market - that is, the type of places they sell to).
Today we have the largest database of actively looking Suppliers in Australia.
To use the Agent Hunter service you must first Free List. This creates your profile so as Suppliers can also find you. Filling out the Free Listed form registers you as a trial member (FULL FREE MEMBERSHIP is currently provided for Agents who Free List) and automatically provides you with a username and password.
With this username and password you will have access to trial the search facility to see how many Suppliers are listed with your requirements. Our unique matching facility allows you to search for Suppliers under the following criteria:

Company name: (If you are looking to represent a particular Supplier)
Target Markets: (To ensure that they call on the same type of retailers as you do)
Product Lines: (To see If they carry related lines that will not be of conflict)
Territory Wanting to be Serviced: (The territories they require covered)

There are drop down menus and tick boxes that make this search exercise simple and easy.

The computer then matches up your required criteria with the Supplier’s profiles that match. Your search results are then displayed like this: e.g. Search Result

Search Result
Please click on a territory below to read through your searched matches.
Then just click on the suppliers that you wish to make contact with.
An e-mail of your contact details will be sent to the prospective supplier.
The supplier will then contact you to instigate discussions for representing their product lines.

VIC - Metro

Company Name: XYZ Pty Limited
Member ID: 10829

Target Markets:
• Gallery/Museum
• Interior Designers
• Cards/Stationary
• Gift Shops
• Kitchenware Shops
• Home ware Shops
• Indoor Furniture Shops
• Outdoor Furniture Shops
• Florists
• Nurseries

Product Lines:

Baskets/Cane ware
Cards & Stationary
Furniture
Garden/Outdoor/Florist
Giftware
Home ware
Kitchenware
Lighting/Lamps/Mirrors
Seasonal Decorations

Territory Wanting to be Serviced:

VIC - Country
VIC - Metro
WA - Country
WA - Metro
TAS - Metro

Click here to make contact.

As a trial member only, you can search our database but are unable to make contact with your search results.
(FULL FREE MEMBERSHIP is currently provided for Agents who Free List)
Even though as a Trial Member you are unable to make contact with agents, it still allows you to trial search our facility and see how it all works and how many prospective Suppliers match your requirements.

The site then provides you with the ability to become a Full Member by paying an annual registration fee. As a Full Member, after you search, you then need to read through your searched matches and simply click on the contact for the sales agents that you wish to make contact with.

An e-mail of your contact details and instructions to contact you are then sent to the prospective Supplier. The Supplier should then contact you to instigate discussions for representing their product lines within 5 working days.

(FULL FREE MEMBERSHIP is currently provided for Agents who Free List)
As a Full Member of Agent Hunter you will have access to search, make contact and take advantage of the exclusive member benefits and services.

As a Full Member you can also be searched and allow agents to contact you.

Remember — you can view the agents we have in your required territory and target market even before you join as a Full Member.

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3. What membership statuses are there for Agents?
Agents can fall under the following membership statuses:
Free Listed — (FULL FREE MEMBERSHIP is currently provided for Agents who Free List)
As a Free Listed Member you would normally have limited access to the search facility and Agent Services. Currently full access to our database and Agent Services is being provided so spread the word and let all the agents you know take advantage of this opportunity. You will also be able to be searched by Suppliers.

Inactive — You may choose at anytime to select inactive in your profile. This means that you are currently not actively looking for new Suppliers and hence will not come up in Suppliers searches for Agents. You may choose Inactive Status if you are unable to take on more lines for now, but would still like to keep your Agent Hunter profile. You will be able to log into your profile at any time to change its Status back to Active.

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4. Why is Agent Hunter better then other methods of finding Suppliers?
We have the largest database of profiled Suppliers in Australia that are actively seeking Sales Agents. You can search and contact qualified Suppliers and let Suppliers find you anytime of the year.

We support Agents by also providing documents that can assist you in selecting the right Suppliers.
The Suppliers in our database have confirmed they are actively seeking Sales Agents.
Our Suppliers are required to respond to your contact request, whether they are interested or not within 3 -5 days.
The search facility allows you to find and instigate communication with Suppliers that fit your specific search criteria only - saving you time and effort.
Suppliers do not look for Sales Agents in newspapers or publications – Agent Hunter is their greatest source.
You are able to find Suppliers anytime of the year – you do not have to wait every 6 months for a gift fair.
You can use the service again and again and again for 12 months, whenever you need to replace or find new/more Suppliers, Australia wide.
Most importantly Agent Hunter works to connect you to Suppliers quickly and easily to create new sales opportunities.

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5.    How do I know if Agent Hunter has agents in my industry?
First, Free List and receive a username and password. Then Log in and try the search facility. (select your requirements and submit search) You should get several matches. If you do not get any matches try reducing your selections to only one product line or target market. If still unsuccessful then try again in a week or two as new Suppliers are joining every week. Alternatively contact us for assistance. The great thing is there is no cost to Free List and trial the search facility.
(FULL FREE MEMBERSHIP is currently provided for Agents who Free List)

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6.    What terms do the Suppliers agree to?
Agent Hunter’s profiled Suppliers Agree That:
I will keep my profile updated in particular my status whether it be active or inactive in looking for Agents.
I am interested in commissioned Sales Agents only.
I will ensure my contact details are kept current.
I will respond immediately to all contact requests (within 5 working days) whether I am interested or not.
I understand that immediate communication is the backbone of Agent Hunter.
My failure to abide by these terms may result in removal from the Agent Hunter database.

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7.    What does Agent Hunter guarantee?
We do not guarantee the quality or professionalism of Suppliers listed or of the Agents listed. We do however guarantee to assist you to find the right Suppliers to represent. We support you in initiating conversations with Suppliers. It is then up to you to communicate and select the best suited Suppliers. Most importantly it is your responsibility to promote your Sales Agency to the prospective Suppliers. You will need to enter discussion to form an agreement with the Suppliers. Your reputation (references), product and market knowledge and professionalism will assist you in marketing your Agency and determine your success in having the opportunity to represent Suppliers.
(See our documents in our Agent Services page) - What suppliers are looking for in an agent and Selection criteria for choosing right suppliers.

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8.    How long has Agent Hunter been operating?
Agent Hunter was established in June of 2005 and launched in August 2006
Initially with just the ability to free list we developed our database of Sales Agents and Suppliers Australia wide.
Re launching in January 2007 Agent Hunter fully introduced its unique e-matching facility and its member services. Today the website attracts more Agents and Suppliers each week.

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9.    How big is Agent Hunter?
Rome wasn’t built in a day but it was built. Now with hundreds of suppliers and agents we are growing everyday and expect to be the largest source of independent sales agents in APAC within the next few years. We can confidently say we have the largest database of Sales Agents in Australia and the largest database of Suppliers actively looking for agents.

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10.    What do I get for Free Listing? (becoming a Trial Member)
(FULL FREE MEMBERSHIP is currently provided for Agents who Free List) Go to 12.

You get a username and Password.
You trial our e-matching service.
You can see how many prospective Suppliers match your requirements.
You receive emails from Agent Hunter notifying you that Suppliers are interested in you representing thier company – (normally without contact details, but with their ID#). You can then become a full member and make contact with them. Currently Free Full Membership is available for Agents who Free List.

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11. What do I get for becoming a Full Member?
As a full member you can access the search facility (24 x 7 x 365 days) and make contact with as many Suppliers as required to develop your Sales Agency and grow your business. You receive access to the many benefits and services listed on front page of site under Agent services.

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12.    What is Agent Hunter’s success rate in finding Suppliers?
Success in finding Suppliers is a direct result of your professionalism, enthusiasm and your ability to form relationships with the Supplier.

Agent Hunter can put you in contact with Suppliers in your industry that are actively seeking Sales Agents. Although many of our customers have found Suppliers within hours or days using our service, your success will be determined by your sales abilities (to sell yourself/your Sales Agency service.

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13.    Do you do credit checks on Suppliers?
    No. We did think about creating a credit rating for Agents and Suppliers but due to legal advice we were unable to look at publishing online such a list. We are looking into introducing a chat forum specifically for Agents that will facilitate any discussions/enquiries regarding Suppliers.

14. How much does Agent Hunter cost?
Agent Hunter’s Annual Membership for Sales Agents is CURRENTLY FREE.
Free List today and save $49.95

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15. I only want to find one more Supplier. Why do I need to subscribe for 12 months?
Finding Suppliers is a numbers game:

Agent Hunter will save you time and money in locating and communicating with Suppliers. However, finding appreciative, professional Suppliers is still a "numbers" game.
For example, to have 5 productive Suppliers you may need to place 8. To place 8 during a year you may need to have discussions with 30 or more.
Remember you may only be looking for one Supplier today but Suppliers can change products or terminate your arrangement at a months notice.
Effectively Play The Numbers:
Search our database and contact the Suppliers of your choice.
Keep trying the site as more and more Suppliers are joining every month.
Utilize the documents designed to assist you in finding the right Suppliers.
Most importantly respond back to Suppliers when you receive emails from Agent Hunter if interested or not ASAP (within 3-5 days).

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16. What happens if a Supplier does not respond to my Contact Request?
The integrity of our database is a top priority. If you encounter any Suppliers that warrant removal, you should contact us and let us know what their ID Number is.

We will then contact them from our end and request they make contact with you urgently.
Agent Hunter will give them a warning if they have just failed to respond without an appropriate reason.
A Suppliers membership can be cancelled at the discretion of Agent Hunter’s administration staff.

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17. How do I effectively search for and contact the Suppliers I am looking for?
Just follow the prompts and guidelines to do searches. When you search, you can also try putting in only the target market and territory and see how many results you get. Try a few combinations. Remember to think laterally when looking for Suppliers. E.g. You may be looking for a Supplier that sells a range of handbags. So you could search under the target market of gift shops, home ware, fashion, nurseries, florists, jeweler stores etc. So to when you think of product lines the Supplier may carry. Search for Suppliers with handbags/fashion and also other product ranges.

If at any time you need some assistance please feel free to contact us via info@agenthunter.com.au or our 1300 880 258 number for customer support. We will show you how to use our service to its full potential.

18. I have never worked as an independent Sales Agent before. What suggestions can you provide?
See Documents to assist you in building your Agency.

How to get started as a sales agent?

This document can be found in Agents Services page.

Finding Great Suppliers is a numbers game – Period!
Using Agent Hunter will improve those numbers. However, you may need to communicate with several Suppliers to place that one that could ultimately be an amazing asset to your Sales Agency.

Therefore, it is important that you proceed with the proper understanding. These tips are designed to help you do so.

Create a Professional impression:

Finding a Supplier is like getting a new customer. You should do everything you can to create a professional impression so the Supplier is willing to trial your Agency.
The number one reason that a Supplier will not take you on as their Agent is if they do not perceive your company to be professional and reputable.
All communication, phone calls, emails, etc. must be professional.

Patience and Persistence:

As we said above, finding Suppliers is like getting a new customer.
You must exercise patience while waiting for Suppliers to respond and be persistent when necessary.
Note: request contact with the Supplier and record their ID#. If no response, then try searching them again in a few days time using their ID#. Then, if after a week or more the Supplier still does not respond, use the Agent Hunter contact email to inform us of the Suppliers ID#.

Commission Amounts:

90% of all commissions paid by Suppliers are between 10% and 20% based on invoiced sales amount ex GST and freight. Depending on the product lines you carry the commissions may alter slightly.
Commissions differ with each industry. Normally the higher the ticket items the lower the commission rate. If you are choosing a Supplier that is just starting out and has no or little database then a higher commission is expected as you will need to do a lot more work then if you have a well established customer base and existing revenue.
The best way to establish your commission amount is through conversations with interested Suppliers in your industry.
With today’s expenses of petrol, phone, accommodation etc…Suppliers should be prepared to pay 15% minimum.
It is often great if you can suggest to the Supplier to provide incentives for you, with say 17.5% but for every new account you open up first order is 20% or provide you with bonuses for achieving certain targets.

Samples:

It is best to establish a relationship with the Supplier before asking for samples.
Samples remain the property of the Supplier and should be returned when your relationship terminates.

Contracts and Territories:

You may choose to have a contract or just a gentleman’s agreement. Legally a contract is best.
There is an example Sales Agent Agreement in the Agent Hunter Agent Services.
Territory is usually exclusively based meaning that all orders that come from that territory either via email, fax, phone, web-site, trade fairs or other, the commission is paid to you, the Agent representing that Supplier in that area as you have/are promoting the Supplier and their products always.
In some cases the Supplier may wish to have a house account or two that they continue to look after themselves and commission is not paid on this account.

Trade Fairs:

It is standard practice for Agents to support their Suppliers at trade fairs. Even though the trade fairs are a large investment for Suppliers it is imperative to still be paid your full commissions at trade fairs.
Some Suppliers reduce the commission to Agents at trade fairs or only offer commission on sales they take. We highly discourage this. Agents will spend more time on other Suppliers stands where they get paid more and feel appreciated.
Time spent on a Suppliers stand is either negotiated at the time of a contract being signed or prior to each fair. It is standard for an Agent to assist their Suppliers for at least 1 – 2 hours per day or otherwise negotiated. It is also imperative that Suppliers understand that Agents have several Suppliers and cannot possibly allocate the more hrs then there are in the day. Hence Agents need to allocate their time to Suppliers often unevenly, based on revenue/potential/commission at fair/appreciation.

Go to our home page www.agenthunter.com.au
Click on "Login" found at top of page.
Enter the username and password you used when you created your profile.

Login to your profile with your username and password.
Click on Edit Profile where login was.
Make your changes.
Click "Save.

Login to your profile.
Go to search facility.
Under "Member ID#" enter the Member ID number and submit search.

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22. How do I get contact information for a Supplier who has tried to contact me?
If you are a full member you would have received the Agents contact details. If you are a free listed member only, then you will need to follow the following steps:
(FULL FREE MEMBERSHIP is currently provided for Agents who Free List)

Copy the Supplier’s member ID#.
Login to your profile.
Upgrade your membership to FULL MEMBER
Go to search facility.
Under "Member ID#" enter the Member ID number and submit search.
Your contact details will be sent to the agent to initiate contact.

Login to your profile.
Click Search facility.
Click on territory required only and submit search.
To search multiple territories, hold down the Ctrl key while you click on the territories.

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24. I am having trouble logging in. Can you help?
Trouble logging in to Agent Hunter may be caused by one of the following reasons:

You are using the wrong username. Please be sure to use the username you entered into your profile.
You are using the wrong password. To get your password, go to the Agent Hunter home page, click on login without entering anything. Then click on "Lost your login details? Retrieve them ". Note username and password are case sensitive. (Try copying and pasting initial password in). Once logged in change password to something easier for you to remember.

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25. I am having trouble receiving Agent Hunter email. Can you help?
Trouble receiving Agent Hunter email may be caused by one of the following reasons:

You have not kept your email address up-to-date. Please login to your profile and make sure that the email address in your profile is correct and frequently monitored.
You have a spam blocker which is filtering out Agent Hunter email. Please adjust the settings of your spam blocker to allow email from Agent Hunter (info@agenthunter.com.au ) to be received.

Agent Hunter

“Mission”

Agent Hunter creates conversations between independent Sales Agents and Principals in the same industry.
Agent Hunter uses a unique profiling system to facilitate a TARGETED SEARCH using a Sales Agent’s specific requirements and our growing profiled manufacturer's database to help you find the right Suppliers with ease.
Agent Hunter is more COST-EFFECTIVE than placing ads.
Agent Hunter is your best source for Suppliers.

Create New Sales Opportunities Today.

Click Here to FREE LIST.