Advertising Sales Representative
Start-up Cost:$1,000-$1,500
Potential Earnings:$40,000-$150,000
Typical Fees:Commission-only is standard and ranges from 5 to 25 percent
Advertising:Direct mail, trade journals, referrals
Qualifications:Experience with an advertising agency or periodical sales rep
Equipment Needed:Basic office equipment, business cards, letterhead, envelopes
Potential Home Business:Yes
Staff Required:No
Handicapped opportunity:Yes
Hidden Costs:Expect high phone bills and mileage costs
Lowdown:
This business must be built on extensive experience in the field. Your expertise lies in matching the need to the availability. If you know how, you can sell advertising space in all magazines to the advertisers who need it. Your job is to find a buyer at a good price that might never have discovered this advertising venue unaided. You'll need contacts and experience to make a success of this enterprise, but room exists for the independent rep and many earn $100,000 or more. Much depends on the media you're selling ad space for; for instance, if you're selling ads in a trade journal or well-known national publication, your income will be quite high. However, if you're selling ads for a community newspaper, your income may reach its peak at $35,000.
Start-up:
The telephone is your major tool, and you may discover a great need for a car phone (which brings with it monthly charges and high incoming-call fees). You'll need access to reference books listing periodicals, rates, and dates. Expect a $1,500 initial start-up cost for this business.
Bottomline:
If you love selling, this is selling in its purest form. No limitations bind you to one focus, one time, or one perspective. Businesses need to advertise, and finding space for their commercial messages can be a real challenge. Your services are the perfect answer to their needs. The same old way of doing things will be your biggest hindrance. Established agencies are your competitors, and you will need to market your services vigorously.
