to engage in purchasing goods, collecting accounts or making contracts with other shops

出差在外头跑to be away on business

• 记者工作性质有所特殊，“跑外”的时间比较多。

  A reporter's job is special in that quite a lot of time is spent working away from home.

• 他跑外，莲花主内，夫妻俩相得益彰。

  He went away on business, and Lianhua took charge of the home. Both husband and wife helped the other to shine.