Manufacturers' agents are best described as which of the following?

Manufacturers' agents are independent business professionals who represent the products of one or more manufacturers. They are responsible for selling these products, often working on a commission basis rather than receiving a salary as employees in a traditional sales division would. This independence allows them to serve multiple manufacturers simultaneously and pursue a wide range of opportunities, leveraging their industry knowledge and relationships to maximize sales for the brands they represent.

The arrangement is beneficial for manufacturers because it reduces overhead costs associated with hiring and maintaining a full sales force, while still extending their market reach through the expertise of these agents. This model aligns with the concept of agency in selling, where agents act as intermediaries rather than company employees, thereby strengthening their position as independent sellers who have the flexibility to operate across various markets and product lines.