Becoming an Avon Representative

I had never thought much about becoming a sales person or having my own home based business, much less selling anything in general. I have always been your average daytime office worker who enjoys her job and enjoys her free time. I’ve always worked in Customer Service, so I’m used to talking to people, but never thought I had the confidence to actually sell.

One day a woman came into our office and dropped off an Avon book and a card that mentioned becoming an Avon Representative. Instead of throwing it away, I set it aside and held onto it for whatever reason. It wasn’t something I had previously thought about doing, nor did I personally know anyone who had sold Avon in the past.

One day on a whim, I called the woman and we set up a time to meet. She spent a considerable amount of time with me and answered all my questions. She told me that she would be there for me whenever I had questions or needed assistance.

I decided to give it a go. I didn’t have anything to lose by doing it and the $10 sign up fee was nothing when you consider I had just started my own business. She gave me informational material and some catalogs and said she would get me set up in their system so I’d have my own online office and web store.

Once I received the email telling me that I was set up, I went online and signed into my account. I found it to be very easy to navigate and figure out. I watched the numerous training videos, webinars and read through the training materials. Since, I’ve also attended the district meetings and have learned from them as well.

As you can imagine, the first thing I did was to speak with friends and family and let them know that I had become an Avon Independent Sales Representative. Immediately there were a few who were interested and wanted to look through a book. I received a few orders that way.

The second thing I did was to casually speak to the women who waited on me in our favorite local restaurants and bars. The same thing happened, immediately there were a few of them who were interested in looking through a book and some who seemed very excited about it. I received a few orders that way.

From there, I delivered Avon books to some of the homes closest to me in my area. While this is more hit or miss and less personal, I have developed a few good customers by doing it. All in all, I’ve been at this for about two months and so far I have developed about 40 customers.

Have I made money yet? Yes, however I see the value in having a small selection of samples as well as free gifts on hand, so I’ve invested in these things as well as additional catalogs for each campaign so I can build my customer base. I’ve also added signage to the windows of my vehicle and printed business cards.

Of course, this limits what I’m actually making right now, but as with any new business; I don’t think it’s realistic to expect to make much in the very beginning. You “could” avoid making the investments I’ve made and actually keep the profits you’ve made, but in the long run, I think I’ve made the right decisions. I see a lot of opportunity and I’m committed to this over the long term.

If you’re thinking about becoming an Avon Representative, one of your first questions is probably going to be, how much you can expect to make. From what I’ve seen so far, I believe it’s true that there is really no limit on what you can earn. It’s just like anything else in life; it depends on how much time and effort you want to put into it.

I enjoy meeting new people and I enjoy the products that I sell. If you think Avon is just cosmetics, you’d be surprised at all the products I’m able to offer my customers. So far, my customers have not only bought make up, but some of the other things they’ve purchased includes; skin care products, bath products, deodorant, women’s jewelry, men’s cologne, children’s bath soaps and sponges, women’s tops and even slippers!

While it may not be for everyone, I’m enjoying myself. I didn’t set out to replace my day job, but I’ve met people who have, so I know it’s there if I want it. The bottom line is I’m having fun, I’ve met new people and made new friends, I work on it when I want to, I’m making some extra money on the side and so far, I haven’t really put that much effort into it.

If you’re interested in contacting me, you can reach me by liking me on Facebook at Avon by Pavia, or through my online store at www.youravon.com/pavialehman.