In the third economic stage of national economy with the development of national and international markets, there grew up a class of business enterprisers whose business it was to supply goods for these wider markets. The workers under the hire system and under the handicraft system each produced goods for a number of customers, with whom they came into actual contact. Under the commission system a number of these workers worked for one employer. He furnished the raw material and paid wages, or he purchased the products of the craftsmen and attempted to secure a profit by selling them at a favorable price in the market. The craftsmen who formerly met their customers face to face and produced for a number of customers were relatively independent. Under the commission system many workers produced for one business man or merchant and they never met the ultimate consumer. The result was a very considerable loss in independence for the workers.