A family member who sells Mary Kay cosmetics recently invited me to a product demonstration hosted by another sales rep. I went, and was rather surprised: About half the time was spent trying to convince me and the other attendees to become Mary Kay sales reps. The pitch: The economy is so bad that, even if you have a full-time job, why not keep a side business in case you get laid off?
Some part-time Mary Kay sales reps at the gathering relayed their experiences. The woman leading the demo asked them how much in sales they’d done that week so far. Most claimed they’d done between $150 to $200 and most were reorders – people who just called up to reorder products they ordered before. Mary Kay reps earn 50% commission on all sales, so that means they’d each earned an extra $100 or so that week. They also talked about upfront investment costs and Mary Kay’s “buy back” program if you change your mind.
I’m sure these demonstration “parties” always involve recruiting new sales reps, as that’s how these type of independent sales businesses – whether it’s selling knives, makeup or bath products - expand. And I’m certain current reps get attractive bonuses when they bring someone new on board. But I thought it was actually a quite effective message right now.
Many people are worried about losing their jobs and their personal finances. The thought of earning a couple extra hundred dollars a week and having a potential business waiting in the wings in case you get laid off sounds pretty nice.
While some of these independent sales businesses certainly have hard-sell and questionable business practices, it may not be such a bad thing to try. Besides the extra money, it’s a good way for budding entrepreneurs to test their business skills — such as cold-calling, persuasion and networking, in case you do eventually need to go into business for yourself.
At the same time, there’s always the risk of ending up with a box full of knives sitting in your garage.
Readers, what do you think? Would you consider being an independent sales rep for a company like Mary Kay? Have you ever done it?
Photo: Associated Press
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