manufacturer’s agent

business

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Last updated

June 30, 2026

Quick Summary

A manufacturer's agent is a business professional who acts as a middleman between a manufacturer and its customers. Operating under a contract, they represent a manufacturing client within an exclusive territory. Their role involves selling noncompeting but related goods. A key characteristic is their limited authority over pricing and sales terms.1

It's important to distinguish a manufacturer's agent from a sales agent. A sales agent, while also selling products within a territory, is self-employed, takes title to the goods, and does not act as an agent for a principal.2

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Brokers and agents
Manufacturers’ agents, who represent two or more manufacturers’ complementary lines on a continuous basis, are usually compensated by commission. As a rule, they carry only part of a manufacturer’s output, perhaps in areas where the manufacturer cannot maintain full-time salespeople. Many manufacturers’ agents are businesses…
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Manufacturers’ agents, who represent two or more manufacturers’ complementary lines on a continuous basis, are usually compensated by commission. As a rule, they carry only part of a manufacturer’s output, perhaps in areas where the manufacturer cannot maintain full-time salespeople. Many manufacturers’ agents are businesses…
Read More