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Becoming an agent

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Index Overview - (6MB, running time 2 mins)
Becoming An Agent - (9MB, running time 3 mins 19)

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What we do

We offer, direct to the public in their workplace, a constantly updated range of bestsellers at massively discounted prices. Using our huge buying power, we work alongside major UK publishers to print and distribute best selling books via a nationwide team of independent agents. Sample books are left with prospective customers- typically schools, offices and workplaces - together with a blank order form. Our agent calls back at a pre-arranged date to collect and fill any orders on the spot from stock carried on their vans. There is no minimum order requirement.  Agents call back around every 8 weeks with a completely new selection of bestsellers.  At our prices, these books make great gifts, as well as self-purchases, and our extensive children's educational range means that children will benefit too.

Who we are
Originally established in 1991, we have expanded constantly since and now operate throughout England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland. Our dedicated team of around 225 independent agents are on target to achieve sales worth around £24 million annually. All of our field sales management team were once agents themselves and so are ideally placed to help agents, both new and established, to achieve good sales and commissions.

Our product
The books we offer for sale are all top quality bestsellers, just the same as you would expect to see in full price bookshops. The only difference is the saving - typically between 50% and 80% off normal jacket prices. We regularly sell, (on an exclusive basis in the display marketing sector), books from other leading publishers, including Harper Collins, Random House, Pan Macmillan and many others. In addition, we also carry a small but select number of non-book gift items.

How can I become an agent?
If you are outgoing, methodical, have storage space and a van, you could be considered for an agency if a vacancy exists in your local area. Unlike a franchise, you do not pay a franchise fee, raise working capital or be lucky to break even in your first year! If you are selected to become an Index or Quality Books Direct agent, we provide stock, a weekly delivery service, paperwork and, most importantly, HANDS ON TRAINING to get you quickly established in your local area from day one. There is no hard selling involved, and most full time agents conduct their business during the hours of 9am till 5pm, Monday to Friday. You will be self-employed along with the benefits this status offers, and receive weekly commission payments commencing from the end of your second full week's work.

What back-up does an agent get?
1. Hands on training and support from day one by a dedicated, knowledgeable Field Sales Manager who is an experienced and successful ex-agent.
2. The guarantee of exclusive product, which will not overlap with any other group or agent.
3. The support of dedicated in-house stock allocation, delivery, distribution and warehouse departments.
4. Top selling bestsellers at brilliant low prices.
5. Individual sales assessment each week to monitor the sales progress of each of the titles you carry.
6. Continued Field Sales Manager support to help you achieve even greater success, however long you have been with us.

What do I do now?
Contact Head Office on 01536 413633 or write to Index Books Ltd, Garrard Way, Kettering, Northants, NN16 8TD. We will put you in direct touch (in full confidence) with a member of our Regional Agent Recruitment Team in your local area. More information will be provided followed by a 'one to one' interview if we have a vacancy in your area and feel you could be suitable.

What will I earn?
Index and Quality Books Direct agents are amongst the highest net earners in the industry - we know this because a considerable number of our agents have left competitors to join us - they report that their net earnings have never been higher.  You will be paid a weekly commission, which is a straight percentage of each week's turnover.  We cover the cost of promotional books and a reasonable shrinkage allowance.  A typical 'average' agent will drop samples off to around 20 outlets each morning and collect orders from 20 outlets each afternoon.  On this basis, at the QUIETEST times of the year - typically summertime - you will collect around £25 a call which will produce around £500 net a week commission.  At busier periods, particularly Spring and the Autumn to Christmas times, between £30 - £40 a call is more usual, resulting in between £600 to £800 a week net commission.  Many established agents earn considerably more but don't just take our word for it, we believe in being 'up front' and open in our dealings with agents, and to prove this we will quite happily show you our agents 'League Tables' and sales charts.