Because Gem Supply's sales have continued to decline, the jewelry manufacturer has found that the costs associated with maintaining its own five-person sales force are prohibitive. The firm's marketing director begins to look for a small company or individual willing to perform the sales function for Gem Supply in its least productive region, the Far West. The ideal entity would carry complementary but non-competing lines. Such a firm or individual would be classified as a ___________.a. rack jobberb. selling agentc. commission merchantd. specialty-line wholesalere. manufacturers' agent