How are agents typically compensated for their services?

Agents are typically compensated through commissions, fees, or retainer agreements because these methods align the financial interests of the agent with the outcomes they achieve for their principals. Commission-based compensation incentivizes agents to work diligently to secure the best results for their clients, as their earnings directly correlate with the amount of business they generate or the value they provide. Fees may be charged for specific services rendered, often in a straightforward manner, while retainer agreements provide a predictable income stream for the agent and can ensure continued availability and loyalty from the agent to the principal.

Compensation through just overtime pay or salary, while possible in some circumstances, does not capture the typical diverse payment structures used in agency relationships. Bonuses determined by external performance metrics might apply in certain situations but are often not the primary means of compensation for agents, as their earnings are more frequently based on direct transactions or services rendered.