InterestedRunner
How much to running shoe reps make? 12/31/2011 12:35PM Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Anyone have a ballpark figure on how much running shoe reps make/can make?

I have some solid connections with a couple of running shoe store owners, used to work at a running store and just recently finished a masters degree and was curious about the field. I currently only make about 40k a year and don't care for my job too much, and would like to explore the field of a shoe rep a little bit. I also have a lot of sales experience.

Any insight into potential salary/work lifestyle would be greatly appreciated.
WhizzerWhite
RE: How much to running shoe reps make? 12/31/2011 12:46PM - in reply to InterestedRunner Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
there is a pretty wide variance

there are "company reps" and "independent agents". independents work in rep agencies which will have an exclusive on a specific geographic area

company reps are paid a salary, have their expenses covered and get benefits while the indies work on a commission basis plus they need to cover all their own expenses and benefits

most indies carry multiple brands but some companies want indies but require them to be exclusive

a good company rep selling to specialty accounts might make 70 to 80k if they are hitting their numbers

indies make more but are required to split commissions with the head rep and cover their expenses

a good indie can make low 6 figures with the right brands and managing expenses closely.
mitts dog
RE: How much to running shoe reps make? 12/31/2011 7:37PM - in reply to WhizzerWhite Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
What he said ^
47LeftHedge
RE: How much to running shoe reps make? 1/2/2012 5:56PM - in reply to WhizzerWhite Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
That seems about right from the few I have spoken with over the years
truedat
RE: How much to running shoe reps make? 1/2/2012 8:11PM - in reply to InterestedRunner Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Reps are required to visit all accounts once a qtr, usually a vist is 5-10 minutes, but most just call it in and send you catalogs. Sure I have product/samples in my car but rarely bring them in and show them.
The best thing is, even though I might actually see you face/face once/twice a year. I get a commission on all orders that you phone/email/direct connect in. You do all the work and I get 100K. I have been working an event expo and finally meet a customer who I have been repping for 2-3 years.
I work for Mizuno.
aGuest
RE: How much to running shoe reps make? 4/13/2012 4:21PM - in reply to WhizzerWhite Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Would you be so kind as to describe for me what a typical compensation package consists of for an indie specialty running rep handling lets say a third tier brand or possibly a new brand as opposed to compensation for repping the top 5 running shoe companies. Do you highly recommend the indie work on an exclusive and represent no other running shoe brand in view of an obvious conflict of interest? What percent commission is typical for repping a new brand? Thank you.
Tough Road
RE: How much to running shoe reps make? 4/13/2012 5:25PM - in reply to aGuest Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
Commission could be as high as 10% for 3rd tier brand , you will have to add other lines to generate enough income to survive , watches , socks , energy bars etc. The in-house reps by the larger brands( salary vs commission ) are coveted jobs to get.
You are on you own as a indie , in-house gets expenses , health care etc.
aGuest
RE: How much to running shoe reps make? 4/13/2012 8:03PM - in reply to Tough Road Reply | Return to Index | Report Post
If indies are getting 10% for new brands, what are in-house reps getting?