I'd like to "hire" a salesperson to sell to businesses for me. I would let this person set their own schedule and pay them 100% commission. I cannot afford to take on a "regular" employee. I've tried to do research on hiring a "contract employee" and I'm a bit lost. I'm not even sure if that is the right term. Anyone have any experience with this?
Well I think they term is commission employee, not contract employee. Make a post on craigslist. Many people don't have any jobs and need one really bad, so they'll try anything.
I think the term you are looking for is "independent contractor". You might want to search that term or add in the word "agreement" - hopefully that helps point you in the right direction.
You are on the right track and the poster above me is correct. The term you want to search for and the status you must maintain is independent contractor. It is all in how the contract is worded. Do it right and all you have to do is send a 1099 at the end of the year. Do it wrong and you will end up paying their FICA and mediscare.