Certain commodities are sold on the market at the best prices obtainable, the prices depending upon the condition of the market—the supply and demand. Since it would be both inconvenient and unprofitable for each seller to accompany his own wares to market, he avails himself of the services of the commission merchant. The class of goods most largely dealt in by commission merchants is farm produce, shipped to the cities by both producers and country dealers. The practice of shipping produce to the broker to be sold on commission is gradually falling into disuse. As the business is now conducted, the commission merchant buys the produce outright and takes his own chances of making a profit, and thus his business becomes also that of a wholesaler. MERCHANDISE BROKER =31.= Certain classes of merchandise are marketed through the medium of brokers styling themselves merchandise brokers. Their business is usually transacted on a larger scale than that of the ordinary commission merchant. The merchandise broker sells in large quantities—as salt by the car load. The distinction between the commission merchant and the broker lies in the fact that the commission merchant has the goods to be sold actually in his possession, while the broker acts as agent for the purchase and sale of goods which he does not actually handle. MANUFACTURER'S AGENT =32.= One distinct class of brokers is the sales agent or manufacturer's agent. He is a broker who sells goods for the manufacturer, usually by sample. As a rule the manufacturer sets the prices and determines the terms of credit. The goods are sold in the name of the manufacturer who carries the accounts on his books, paying the agent a commission for his services. In some cases, however, the manufacturer's agent maintains his own warehouse, issues a warehouse receipt for the goods which are shipped to him, and even advances money to the manufacturer. He then becomes virtually a commission merchant. He holds the goods as security for the money advanced, and, when sold, collects the money and remits the balance of the net proceeds the same as the ordinary commission merchant. SHIPMENTS =33.= When a principal sends goods to a commission merchant or broker to be sold on commission, it is called a shipment. As soon as the goods are sent, an account is opened with the shipment, and the shipment is designated by the name of the consignee, a number, or the name of the place—as _Shipment to Richard Roe_. If more than one shipment is made to a commission merchant an account should be opened for each one in order that the gain or loss can be determined for individual shipments. The separate accounts should be designated by number—as Richard Roe, shipment No. 2.