Independant Sales Rep, does it pay?

UK Sales Rep

I have over 20 years experience in packaging sales & promotional merchandise sales. Now I am in my last 30's I am seriously thinking of becoming a self employed sales person. (due to redundancy)

I am thinking of becoming a sales agent for a number of suppliers. This way of working tends to work in the states, but not so much here in the UK?

Any thoughts, comments, etc?