:: Frequently Asked Questions - Suppliers

Questions Asked By Suppliers

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

Answers for Suppliers

1. Why use Agent Hunter?
Our primary objective is to assist Suppliers (Wholesalers, Importers, Manufacturers, Resellers or Distributors) to Find Sales Agents (Independent Commissioned Sales Reps).
Agent Hunter is designed to support you in finding suitable agents Australia-wide whenever required.
We have developed the largest sales agent’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 agents.
Our documents also assist you in choosing the right sales agents and to understand what agents look for when selecting a supplier.
Our unique service is the only one of its kind – allowing you to find agents specific to your requirements Australia-wide and anytime of the year.
Agent Hunter’s profiled agents must agree to these terms:

They are actively searching for suppliers with better/new product lines.
They work as independent commissioned sales agents.
They will respond, interested or not, to any contact request within 5 working days.

We save you time and money in locating active agents and then initiate your first conversation.
Our service works in three ways to assist you in finding the right agents to represent your company.

By providing information that will assist you in selecting the right sales agents.
By, having the ability to search our database and contact the agents of your choice.
By allowing your Sales Opportunity to be posted on the Agent Hunter Hot Opportunity Notice Board - allowing agents to find you. (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 commissioned sales agents come to our web site and Free List, providing us with their profile (including such things as their territory, current product lines and target market - that is, the type of places they sell to).
Today we have the largest database of independent sales agents profiled in Australia.
To use the Agent Hunter service you must first Free List. This creates your profile so as agents can also find you. Filling out the Free Listed form registers you as a trial member 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 agents are listed with your requirements. Our unique matching facility allows you to search for sales agents under the following criteria:

Target Markets: (To ensure that they call on the right type of retailers)
Product Lines: (To see If they carry related lines)
Territory Servicing: (The territories they cover)
Years in Industry:
Trade Show availability:
Multi Rep Agency: (If they have more than one agent in their sales agency)
Facility to Warehouse products:
Own Showroom:
Can Supply References
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 agent’s profiles that match. As a Free Listed (Trial Member) your search results are then displayed like this: e.g. Search Result

Member ID: 11057

Target Markets:

Fashion
Boutique
Bedding
Framers
Cards/Stationery
Gift Shops
Home ware Shops
Indoor Furniture Shops
Antique Shops

Product Lines:

Fashion Jewelry/Accessories
Furniture
Giftware
Home ware
Linen/Manchester
New Age

Territory Servicing:

VIC - Country
VIC - Metro

Years in Industry:
15 + = Great Reputation/Well Presented

√	Trade Show Availability
-	Multi Rep Agent
-	Facility to Warehouse Products
√	Own Showroom
√	Can Supply References

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.
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 agents match your requirements.
The site then provides you with the ability to Upgrade your Trial Membership to become a Full Member by paying an annual registration fee. As a Full Member all the agents full contact details are provided. 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 or make direct contact with the Agent using the contact details provided in the search results.
An e-mail of your contact details and instructions to contact you are then sent to the prospective sales agent. The sales agent should then contact you to instigate discussions for representing your product lines within 5 working days.
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.

3. Why is Agent Hunter better then other methods of finding Sales Agents?
We have the largest database of profiled agents in Australia that are actively seeking new lines. You can search and contact qualified agents and soon you will be able to post your opportunity and receive inquiries from interested agents.

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

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 agents are joining everyday. Alternatively contact us for assistance. The great thing is there is no cost to Free list and trial the search facility under Trial Membership.

5. What terms do the agents agree to?
Agent Hunter’s profiled Sales Agents Agree That:
I will keep my profile updated in particular my status whether it be active or inactive in looking for better/more product lines.
I am interested in commissioned sales 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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6. What does Agent Hunter guarantee?
We do not guarantee the quality or professionalism of the agents listed or of the suppliers listed. We do however guarantee to assist you to find the right sales agents to represent your company. We support you in initiating conversations with agents. It is then up to you to communicate and select the best suited agents. Most importantly it is your responsibility to promote your sales opportunity to the prospective agents. You will need to enter discussion to form an agreement with the independent agents. Your sales opportunity, company’s reputation, product marketability and your support of your agents will determine your success.

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7. 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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8. 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.

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

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10. 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 Agents as required to develop your sales force across Australia. You receive access to the many benefits and services listed on front page of site under Supplier services.

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11. What is Agent Hunter’s success rate in placing agents?
Success in placing agents is a direct result of your sales opportunity, your company and your ability to form relationships with independent agents.

Agent Hunter can put you in contact with agents in your industry that are actively seeking new/better product lines. Although many of our customers have placed agents within hours or days using our service, your success will be determined by your sales opportunity.

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12. Do you do credit checks on Agents?
No. We are looking at creating a credit rating for Agents. This is scheduled to be available in 2008. We will be also introducing a chat forum specifically for Suppliers that will facilitate any discussions/enquiries regarding Agents. When Agents list they tick “references available” and can provide if required. In a nutshell we do not credit check Agents and we also do not credit check Suppliers.

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14. How much does Agent Hunter cost?
Agent Hunter’s Annual Membership for Suppliers is $299. incl GST. That is about 82 cents per day only.
If you find at least one Agent for representing your products, that return on investment should be made within the first week.

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15. I only want to hire one agent. Why do I need to subscribe for 12 months?
Placing Agents is a numbers game:

Agent Hunter will save you time and money in locating and communicating with agents. However, placing productive, independent sales agents is still a "numbers" game.
For example, to have 5 productive agents 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 agent today but agents like employees come and go.
Effectively Play The Numbers:
Search our database and contact the independent agents of your choice.
Post your opportunity on our Hot Opportunity page so interested agents can contact you.
Keep trying the site as more and more agents are joining every month.
Utilize the documents designed to assist you in finding the right sales agents.

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16. What happens if an agent does not respond to my Contact Request?
The integrity of our database is a top priority. If you encounter any agents that warrant removal, you should contact us and let us know what their ID Number/ Company name/ email 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.
An Agents membership can be cancelled at the discretion of Agent Hunters administration staff.

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17. How should I write the ad that is posted as my Hot Opportunity?
Login and click on Hot Opportunity, then click on “How to Write My Hot Opportunity”.
You will also see many listings of Sale’s Opportunities, and what others have written.

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18. How do I effectively search for and contact the agents 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 agents. E.g. You may be looking for an agent to sell 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 agent may carry. Search for agents 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.

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19. I have never worked with independent sales agents before. What suggestions can you provide?
Placing productive, independent sales agents is a numbers game – Period!
Using Agent Hunter will improve those numbers. However, you may need to communicate with several agents to place that one that could ultimately be an amazing asset to your company.
Therefore, it is important that you proceed with the proper understanding. These tips are designed to help you do so.

Create a Professional impression:

Placing an agent is like getting a new customer. You should do everything you can to create a professional impression so the agent is willing to represent your company.
The number one reason that an agent will not take your line 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, placing an agent is like getting a new customer.
You must exercise patience while waiting for agents to respond and be persistent when necessary.
Note: request contact with the agent and record their ID# & contact details. If no response, then try contacting them directly in a few days time. Then, if after a week or more the agent still does not respond and you are unable to make contact with them from their contact details, use the Agent Hunter contact email to inform us of the Agents details.

Commission Amounts:

90% of all commissions paid to agents 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 just starting out and have no or little database then a higher commission is expected as the Agent 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 agents in your industry.
If you want loyalty and a good agent then be prepared to pay 15% minimum.
It is often great if you can provide incentives for them with say 17.5% but for every new account they open up first order is 20% or provide them with bonuses for achieving certain targets.
Reward and Recognition work very well to entice and to secure Agents to your company long term.

Samples:

It is best to establish a relationship with the agent before sending any samples.
Depending upon the cost of your samples, the best way to protect yourself from agents not returning samples is to have your agents "secure" the samples you send with a credit card. "Secure" here means "authorize only--do not process" the cost of your samples.
You only charge the card if the agent does not work out and you do not get your samples back.

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 Supplier Services (access only as a Registered user Membership - full member).
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 the Agent representing you in that area as they have/are promoting you and your products always.
In some cases you may wish to have a house account or two that you continue to look after yourself 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 your company it is imperative to still pay your agents their full commissions at trade fairs. If you do not, often the Agent will not promote to customers to attend and will try and take orders prior or post fairs.
If you look after your Agents at trade fairs they will bring a lot more business your way.
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.

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.

21. How do I update my profile?

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

22. How do I look up the profile of an agent using their Member ID number?

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

23. How do I get contact information for an agent 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:

Copy the Agent’s member ID#.
Login to your profile.
Go to search facility.
Under "Member ID#" enter the Member ID number and submit search.
The Agents contact details will then come up for you to make contact with. You can also click on "click here to make contact" and then your contact details will be sent to the agent.

24. How do I search for Agents by territory?

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.

25. 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 forgotten password and your login details will be emailed to you straight away. Note username and password are case sensitive.

26. I am having trouble receiving Agent Hunter emails. 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 principals and independent sales agents in the same industry.
Agent Hunter uses a unique profiling system to facilitate a TARGETED SEARCH using a manufacturer's specific requirements and our growing profiled database of experienced Independent Sales Agent representatives will help you find the right Agents with ease.
Agent Hunter is more COST-EFFECTIVE than placing ads and wading through an avalanche of resume responses.
Agent Hunter is your best source for Independent commissioned Sales Agents/Agencies.

Create New Sales Opportunities Today.

Click Here to FREE LIST.