Sales and purchasing agents and brokers represent companies, governments and other organizations to buy and sell commodities, goods, insurance, shipping and other services to industrial, professional, commercial or other establishments, or act as independent agents to bring together buyers and sellers of commodities and services.

Tasks performed usually include obtaining information about employers’ and competitors’ goods and services;  monitoring and analysing market trends and conditions; obtaining information about clients’ needs and identifying suitable products and services; explaining and demonstrating products and services to clients; negotiating prices, contracts, terms, conditions and shipping arrangements for purchase or sale of goods, services or commodities.