Manufacturers Reps - The Basics Having been an independent manufacturer's rep myself on two different occasions in my career, I know a thing or two about this business. I think it's a great business model because of the low start-up investment (other than time and effort) and the fact that you do not have to carry inventory or receivables. It is also a simple business to get off the ground especially if you are involved with the wholesale distribution channel and have developed a good name for yourself in these circles. With a large number of colleagues looking for jobs in an environment where few are available, this may be a good alternate source of income. What is a Manufacturer's Rep? An independent manufacturer's representative (or Rep) is a person or organization that basically takes the place or is an extension of the manufacturer's sales team. An outsourcing of some of the sales functions, if you will. The Rep does all the same things an Account Representative or Field Sales Representative would do if they worked directly for the manufacturer. This includes but is not limited to: independent sales rep independent sales reps