Does Your Shop Need a Sales Rep? 6 Signs It’s Time to Get Help

Running a machine shop or fab shop is already a full-time job.

Between quoting jobs, managing staff, solving problems, and keeping machines running, your day is full. If you’re also trying to manage sales and marketing on your own, chances are you’re stretched too thin.

Here are six clear signs it might be time to bring in a manufacturer’s rep or sales partner:

1. You're Relying on One or Two Big Customers

If 50% or more of your revenue comes from one or two customers, you’re exposed. What happens if they pull work, delay a PO, or bring capabilities in-house?

A good sales rep helps diversify your customer base, bringing in a broader mix of clients across industries so you’re not overly dependent on any one account.

2. You’re Not Getting Enough RFQs

No quotes means no sales. If your inbox is quiet and you’re waiting for word-of-mouth to kick in, it might be time to go on the offensive.

A rep actively prospects new buyers, reaches out to engineers and sourcing managers, and keeps a steady pipeline of quote opportunities coming in.

3. You Don’t Have Time to Strategize or Sell

Quoting is urgent. Hiring is urgent. Shipping is urgent. Sales and marketing? They often get pushed to “someday.”

But without a strategy, you’re just reacting.

A sales and marketing partner can help you:

• Develop a sales plan

• Identify high-fit target customers

• Set up simple systems for outreach and follow-up

• Turn good intentions into real action

4. You’re Not Visible Online

Buyers don’t just wait for reps to call anymore. They search online first — checking your website, your LinkedIn, even your ThomasNet profile. If they can’t find you (or your website is outdated), they move on.

A sales partner with marketing know-how can help you:

• Build a simple, clear website

• Improve your digital presence

• Get listed in directories buyers actually use

5. You're Not Creating Any Content

Content sells — even in manufacturing. When you share photos of your parts, walk through a process on LinkedIn, or post updates to your website, you’re building trust with buyers.

The good news? You don’t need a marketing team. Tools today make it easy to create and share content. The challenge is knowing what to post and having someone to do it consistently.

That’s where a sales and marketing partner can step in.

6. You Want to Grow — But Don’t Want to Hire Full-Time

Hiring a full-time salesperson is a big commitment — salary, benefits, training, and risk. If it doesn’t work out, it’s a costly mistake.

A manufacturers' rep gives you sales horsepower with flexibility. You get professional outreach, sales strategy, and marketing support — without the full-time cost.

Bottom Line: If you’re serious about growing your shop, but not ready to hire a full-time sales team, it might be time to work with a sales and marketing rep. At Markus Metals, we help small manufacturers win more business by combining hands-on sales outreach with simple, effective marketing.

📞 Let’s talk about your goals and see if we’re a fit. Contact us here.