Telecom Agents - Is it better than working directly for a carrier?

[Anonymous]

I am interested in finding out more about the pros and cons of working as an agent vs. working directly as a carrier rep.

Can anyone provide any general insight from their own experiences?

[Anonymous]

Generally speaking as a direct rep you will get a higher base salary, that along with benefits can certainly add up over the course of a year. As an agent you will either be working commission-only or for a small base salary. Positions with carriers are more secure than agency positions, since most agencies are run by a single individual they can decide at anytime to shut the doors or fire their sales staff and live off the residual they have built up.

If the agency you are going to work for offers a nice salary, benefits and a strong commission plan I would say go that way...since you can offer several options to your clients it can be a great position to be in; however I doubt you'll find this from an agency.

Maybe you can be a direct rep for one carrier and make friends with a Master Agent who will offer your commissions on any sales you refer to him, this way any sales you don't close with your company you still have the chance to earn a commission.

Just my $.02...after a decade in the industry.