The initial, or front-end, sales charge is a one-time deduction from an investment made into the fund. The amount is generally relative to the amount of the investment, so that larger investments incur smaller rates of charge. The sales charge serves as a commission for the broker who sold the fund. A fund's potential fees and sales charges are an important factor to consider before making an investment. The load fee compensates the broker or financial planner for the service of providing professional investment advice.