An external sales agent is a person or a third-party company that a business hires to represent its products or services. They frequently are referred to as independent sales representatives or sales consultants. External sales agents work on a commission or fee basis and are not directly employed by the company. Furthermore, they serve as an extension of the sales team for the business. External sales agents boost company profits through their skills, connections, and market understanding, generating leads, closing deals, and increasing revenues. In order to develop relationships with potential clients and seal transactions on behalf of the company they work for, external sales agents have a thorough knowledge of the industry they work in as well as good interpersonal and sales abilities. Hiring an external sales agent who knows the region’s market provides the organization immediate presence in the target market.

Are you looking for a strong partner in Latin America?

Latin America is a diverse region with particular cultural nuances, consumer tastes, and economic customs. Businesses can benefit from extensive knowledge of regional markets by hiring a salesperson located in Latin America. As a result, this strategy enables companies to strengthen its presence and increase sales in Latin America. Here are some compelling reasons why you should consider hiring an external salesperson:

1. Local Market Expertise: Success in Latin America depends on an understanding of the complexities of the local market. Local sales agents have insider knowledge of the market’s dynamics, the industry’s competitive environment, consumer trends, and customer behavior. As a result, a regional representative identifies untapped potential and offer insightful advice on how to effectively promote goods or services.
2. Language and Cultural Advantages: A salesperson who is fluent in the local language can make a big difference because language is a potent instrument. Employing a salesman who speaks Spanish improves easier customer dialogue, fosters relationships, and creates trust. Additionally, an sales agent who is aware of the cultural background will be able to successfully manage corporate etiquette, customs, and relationship-building strategies.
3. Established Network and Relationships: In order to establish business ties in a new market, it is frequently necessary to start from scratch. However, expanding businesses get an initial boost by recruiting a salesperson with a network and connections in Latin America. These relationships may lead to additional distributors, partners, and clients, shortening the sales cycle and increasing market penetration.
4. Cost-Effectiveness: It can be a cost-effective option to hire an outside sales agent, particularly if a company wants to expand their business or enter a new market. The services of an external salesperson who works on a contract or commission basis might be more efficient. Whereas spending money on employing and training a full-time sales crew can be more expensive. Nevertheless, it is important to calculate these expenses well.
5. Flexibility and Scalability: Moving on to the prospect of cost-effectiveness, external sales agents provide adaptability and scalability. In other words, businesses can employ them during certain projects, particular markets, or moments of high demand. By not recruiting full-time employees, businesses can avoid making long-term commitments by being able to adjust their sales force in reaction to market conditions. As a result, scaling up or down can be done to maintain optimal resource allocation and market response.
6. Objective an Fresh Perspective: External sales representatives offer an unbiased viewpoint on sales strategies, highlighting opportunities for development and recommending adjustments to improve overall performance. In other words, they can assist in fine-tuning a company’s strategy and improving sales operations. Additionally, their new viewpoint and expertise working with a variety of clients and industries bring fresh perspectives, new ideas, and cutting-edge methods that disrupt the status quo and boost sales.

Click Here to Discover our Client’s Success Story in Sourcing Highly Qualified Sales Agents

Ongresso assisted Bürkert by handling legal matters, conducting market research, and identifying high-quality candidates. Eventually, Bürkert hired more agents than planned, and Ongresso provided legal advice and drafted contracts.

Although there are many benefits, there are also risks that businesses need to be aware of. Prior to that, it is crucial to carefully select the ideal external sales agent as a partner. Moreover clear agreements and contracts are important in order to ensure that interests and goals are well-aligned. Before choosing to hire an external sales agent in another country, it is important to measure the following drawbacks against the potential advantages:

1. Brand Representation: External sales agents represent the hiring company. As a consequence, their conduct has a direct impact on how that organization is perceived. The company’s reputation in the market may suffer from inconsistent or subpar representation. Having this said, it is essential to effectively instruct the external representative about the company’s vision, mision, and values.
2. Cultural and Language Barriers: Due to cultural differences and language challenges, working with an external sales agent from another nation may offer difficulties with the employing organization. There may be misunderstandings or miscommunications about agreements concluded.
3. Limited Loyalty: As external sales agents work independently, they may have multiple clients or interests, potentially leading to divided loyalty. This may have an effect on the level of dedication and commitment to marketing the hiring company’s goods or services.
4. Legal and Compliance Issues: Hiring an external sales agent in another country brings legal and compliance complications. Local tax rules, contractual duties, and labor laws can be more complicated to understand and comply with. Furthermore, they may also call for additional resources or legal knowledge.

Read the Forbes’ article about “The Growing Talent Crisis in Sales”. Discover why it is a smart strategic move to consider hiring a professional specialist recruiting you the perfect sales agent in Latin America. 

There are several critical roles in the supply chain that are responsible for bringing products to consumers, including sales agents and distributors. Discover the main characteristics of sales agents and distributors.

In summary, a sales agent acts as an intermediary between a company and its customers, focusing on sales and lead generation, while a distributor purchases products from a manufacturer, takes ownership, and handles broader distribution responsibilities, including inventory management and logistics. The choice between a sales agent and a distributor depends on factors such as market strategy, desired level of control, geographic reach, and the specific needs and goals of the company.

Read also our articel about “Hiring Distributers”

A smooth expansion process and the avoidance of complications depend on the understanding of the market. Therefore, businesses should ensure to engage with partners in Latin America.

Hire top talented external sales agents in Latin America by engaging Ongresso to recruit your perfect fit. Ongresso has developed a proven multi-step Partner Selection Process to find the best local partner for your business in Latin America.

By partnering with us, businesses can lower risks and ensure a successful soft landing. Ongresso is your reliable partner in Latin America. With our expertise and resources we enable your company to enhance efficiency and attain sustained growth.

In conclusion, companies should give hiring a local sales agent when entering Latin America considerable evaluation. This strategic move is invaluable due to the advantages of local market knowledge, language competence, established networks, market expertise, and adaptability. Companies may tap into the full potential of the Latin American market, accelerate sales growth, and gain a firm presence in this dynamic and attractive region by investing in a knowledgeable and culturally competent salesperson.