Direct Sales Strategies: Lessons from My Time as an Avon Representative
Back in the day, my mom and I teamed up to sell Avon products. It was a dynamic duo kind of situation – she was the social butterfly, charming customers with her infectious personality, while I was the behind-the-scenes maestro, managing the logistics and keeping our operations running smoothly.
One of the key tools in our arsenal was Avon’s online CRM system. This was where I kept track of all our customers, right down to their favorite products. This information was gold – it allowed us to personalize each order with samples that we knew the customer would love. It was like delivering a little surprise with every purchase, and our customers appreciated the personal touch.
One of our customers even complimented us on our professionalism, from the way we handled orders to how we packaged them. Hearing feedback like that was incredibly rewarding. It confirmed that our attention to detail and commitment to providing a top-notch customer experience was paying off.
At our peak, we had about 40 regular customers, and our bi-weekly sales averaged around $400. But, like any business, we had our slow weeks. I remember one week when our sales dipped to around $100. Instead of accepting the slump, we decided to take action.
I dove into our CRM system and pulled up a list of everyone who hadn’t placed an order yet. I handed the list over to my mom, who got on the phone and started making calls. She let our customers know that we were about to place our order for the current campaign and asked if they needed anything.
The result? Our sales bounced back up to our average. That experience taught us the power of follow-up. It’s easy to assume that if a customer wants something, they’ll let you know. But sometimes, people get busy or forget, and a gentle reminder can make all the difference.
Selling Avon with my mom was more than just a fun experience. It was a masterclass in direct sales strategies, customer relationship management, and the importance of professionalism and personalization in business. These are lessons that I’ve carried with me throughout my career, and they continue to influence how I approach my work today.