The Commercial Agents Regulations

These regulations apply to the relationship between the person appointing an agent (called the 'principal') and the agent appointed to sell the principal’s products (eg windows).

An agent acts on behalf of the principal. An agent can create a contract between the principal (ie the seller) and the customer without actually being a party to it.

The Regulations don’t apply to agency appointments which are for the supply of services only, where the agent just introduces customers instead of completing sales or where the agent’s work is their secondary job or source of income.

Always stick to the terms of the agreement and act in good faith towards the agent. Make sure the agent always has all the documents and information they need to be able to carry out their duties under the terms of the agreement. 

The agent may also ask for other conditions to be attached. If you’re not sure about these extra conditions, Ask a lawyer.

Always look after the interests of the principal and stick to the terms of the agreement. Always act in good faith towards the principal. 

The agent can ask for other conditions to be attached. If you’re not sure what extra conditions you can attach, Ask a lawyer.

When the principal ends an agreement with an agent for any reason other than for a default by the agent, the agent can claim either a compensation payment or an indemnity payment.

Before the principal ends the agreement, they must also give the agent a notice period equal to one month for the first year, two months for the second year, three months for the third year or longer.

The amount of compensation the agent can claim is the same as for the notice period.