Avon Hints and Tips (Part 3)

lozza1985

I'll copy and paste the document I send to my reps about holding a party - never done one myself, but it is all based on documents/suggestions done by other reps/sl who do hold parties:

Holding an Avon Party!

Reasons to do Parties:
Parties are an informal, fun way to get to know people and find new customers, plus it's a great opportunity to increase your earnings – parties allow you to easily promote special offers and new products. Parties also enable customers to see the products – far better than only relying on the picture in the brochure – you know yourself when sorting through your delivery how some products look so much better in real life than in the brochure.
Preparing for your Party:
The most important thing is to get people there, ask everyone if they will bring a friend – you can be sure not everyone will turn up on the night, but this way you will still have plenty of people!
Ask your friends, family or work colleagues to start with if they would like to hold a party – this way you already know some of the people there so you won’t be as nervous. As you get more confident, you could try advertising in local shops, face book etc. Parties should only last about 1 – 2 hours, and is a great way to get a large amount of sales in a short time. Wear casual clothes that look smart, and use Avon make-up, fragrance, jewelry etc as then if someone compliments you, you will able to tell them they can buy it from Avon!
Don’t be scared, if you know a bit about Avon products you will be fine. Read up about products in Hello Tomorrow, and make sure you know about the new products that have been advertised on television recently.
Find a suitable venue, you might throw the party yourself or do it for a customer or friend. Is their lounge big enough?
You might want to give the hostess an incentive for holding the party e.g. 10% of all orders placed, 10% off her own order, a free gift, whatever you feel will tempt her the most.
Go to see the Hostess a few days before the event, and check everything is OK and that she has given out invites and knows how many people are coming. It might be best if she checks that everyone is still coming on the day or the day before the event and tell them to all bring cash with them.
Have a look at the room you’re using and plan in your mind where you are going to put everything, discuss it with the hostess.
Definitely go with a theme for your party – such as manicures, make up, skin care, pedicures that way you can mainly push one whole range. Also this means you can get people having repeat parties more easily, as they can choose a different theme each time to keep things fresh.
For example if you went with a manicure theme: you could start with a planet spa hand and cuticle cream hand massage cream, use an Avon nail file to shape their nails, paint their nails with Pro Nail Enamel Polish, and don't forget to use the mistake corrector pen if needed. A good idea for extra sales would be to have the charm bracelet for them to try with their nicely manicured hands. Don't forget to mention the moisturising gloves to keep them hands in tip top condition, as well as all the different hand creams available.
You can get your demo products out of the Hello Tomorrow brochure, or look out for items on offer cheaply in the brochures. Definitely have plenty of products for people to try, along with samples – this gives people the chance to try different shades of lipsticks and foundations to find the right one – which could lead to sales.
Also at this time leave a few catalogues with plenty of order forms for her friends who cannot come to party – you don’t want to miss out on any sales!
And a good idea is tell her you are looking for 2 parties out of the event, if you go with this mind set you will never run out of dates...And tell her if you are able to book two or more parties at her event, and they follow through, she can pick a further gift at around £X.XX (remember you get it at a cheaper rate). Ask her who she thinks would like a party.
If you know anyone like a beautician or a hairdresser or someone that is good at make-up that can come to help you to add something to the party invite them, they might do it in exchange for a freebie or a percentage! This will give you some support and help to make the party more interesting for the guests.
The party itself:
On the day of the party arrive early and set up your table, if you are in the living room put it in front of the TV, the reason is this is where all the chairs face! Bring with you plenty of catalogues, order forms and pens, pens are important – no need to spend a lot have a look in your local Pound Shop etc. Have a table set up for a display. Get a nice table cloth or material to cover the table with and maybe some small boxes to put under the cloth to display things on, you might also want to use confetti type stuff on the table to make it look cute.
Start on time, introduce yourself, Avon the company, how they use quality products, been around a long time, explain the 90 day guarantee etc.
Do a quick game, if needed to get the barriers down. Games that are linked to products are good because it helps you to sell them. You could always try pass the parcel as people will love getting something free, you could put sample sachets in every layer then a bigger item in the centre for the winner.
As well, you could always run a raffle. Make up a basket of items (could be from the clearance section) as well as smaller items, and sell tickets, or you could give a raffle ticket for every £5 spent in ordering from the brochure – this way people might spend more.
Hand out catalogues, order forms and pens. On the note section put 'Are you interested in having a party of your own' y/n – this will help you get more parties.
Now is a good time if you are doing a mini facial or instant manicure demo to do it so you can talk through these products.
Go through some items and explain them to the people – let them try! Make sure you have plenty of spatulas for people to use – they are free to order from Hello Tomorrow. Also tissues and cotton wool, along with make-up remover and nail varnish remover could be useful.
If you are testing perfume, use blotting paper or something to spray it onto. Reason is perfumes smell different on everyone and two people sitting next door to each other may use the same perfume, but it will smell very different on each person. Also if you have 10 people in a small room and they all spray it you won't be able to breathe after!
Answer any questions people may have. Leave everyone to look through the brochures and fill in their order forms.
At the end of your demonstration you should talk through what they get as a hostess if they have their own party (be sure to offer them the same deal as you have given their hostess e.g. 10% off etc).
Go into kitchen and help hostess make drinks, snacks. Don’t put the nibbles out until everything to touch/feel has been passed round - you don’t want peanut crumbs in your samples.
A tip here do not let the hostess go overboard on this, tea, coffee, sausage rolls, biscuits etc, boring I know, but there is a reason for this, nearly everyone can afford tea, coffee, and biscuits , Sausage rolls, but if you let your hostess go mad on food, then the single mum who is in the next room, who might be thinking “Hey I might like to have a party, as it will help me get some presents for my children this Christmas”, will suddenly be put off because in her mind she is thinking , “Oh no, there is no way I can do a party I cannot afford all this food.” You have just lost a party hostess. Silly I know but people think like that.
Go back into room, and mingle with the guests, answer questions, tell them of offers in the book.
To get their attention back at the end you have a bargain bin (a box of stuff you got cheaply or free that you can sell for a couple of pounds each - get the money there and then – keep your eye out for cheap items in the Clearance section or good offers in the brochures).
Collect Orders, Explain how the delivery will work...... best way is deliver everything to hostess on a set day, and on that day you will pick everyone’s money up. Tell everyone who orders they need to let the hostess have the money by XYZ day. It’s best to collect the money at the party if you can then the hostess doesn't have to deal with it all and also you won't see the people again (more than likely).
Happy partying!

Public Raffle Guidelines

As usual in this day & age there are some rules you need to follow if you do decide to hold a raffle:

Planning to hold a raffle?

A raffle is a great way to raise money and raise awareness of our services. Whether you are planning a small raffle at an event in your home or workplace, or planning a larger raffle and will be selling tickets in the run up to your event, please note that there are some rules governing raffles, which are determined by the Lotteries and Amusement Act 1976 which need to be taken into consideration when planning your raffle.

Running a raffle on the day of your event

A raffle run on the day of an event is classed as a small lottery and as such does not have to be registered with a local authority or gaming board. However, some conditions do have to be met. They are as follows:

• the raffle should not include any cash prizes
• the sale and issue of tickets and the announcement of the winners must take place on the evening of the event
• the total sum of brought prizes on offer should not exceed £250, however, donated prizes in excess of £250 are acceptable
• you can offer alcohol as a prize if your event is taking place on licensed premises

We recommend that you buy a book of cloakroom tickets, which can either be sold individually or as a strip of five.

lozza1985

May as well put my hints & tips document on here as well:

Hints and tips for Rep’s.

ü You may want to try running your own loyalty scheme, I run one for my customers where they will receive a free gift with every 6th order with me. The value of the gift depends upon how much the customer has spent with me in that time. I try to give them something I feel that they would use, but that they haven’t bought before – that way after they have tried it, they may decide to purchase it in the future! For example, if a customer buys dry skin SOS body moisturisers I may give them a Skin So Soft Body moisturiser. They will try it, and if they decide to purchase it for themselves, then they would be spending a little more on their regular items. This way you are increasing your order amounts as well as making your customers feel valued.
ü Every so many campaigns I also run a “spend £x amount and receive a free gift”. You can adjust the amount to suit your customers. I use £20 for some customers that spend around £10 and so are likely to spend that little bit more in order to receive a free gift. Other customers who only spend a few pounds, I make it spend £10 or more and receive a free gift. Alter the amount to your customers! Buy items that are on special offer, and with your discount you will still be making more money than normal – as your customers have spent considerably more than they usually would. Again, if the customers like the free gift they may buy it or similar items in the future.
ü Canvass and re-canvass! Re-canvass periodically throughout the year as circumstances can change i.e. people move, have babies so are at home more, etc. Your peak time of the year will be Christmas so it is a good idea to begin re-canvassing around October/ November depending on the size of your territory. Keep an eye out for houses up for sale as new customers could be moving in shortly!

ü If you have a Face book or My space account – make sure you let everyone know that you are an Avon Representative, they may have been looking for an “Avon Lady” or know someone who wants to order. You could also try advertising in local shops, or buy yourself a window sticker (Vistaprint is good for these) to put in your car!

ü It’s worth asking the people working in local businesses if they would like a book. If you are friendly with your Hairdresser ask them too, they may even leave it out for their customers to browse!

ü Ask all your family & friends if they will take a book into their workplaces for you, show their neighbours & friends – this way you are gaining new customers from people you might have never met! In time, as you get to know your territory customers, you could ask them if they would take a book into their workplaces – as a “Thank You” give them a percentage off their own order, or a free gift – after all they have gained you more sales!

ü Give samples out – when people try they are more likely to buy! The amount you spend on samples will be easily made back in just a few sales of the full sized items.

ü Always have your books out with potential customers – they won’t earn you anything sitting at home!

ü Keep track of what is popular with each of your customers, that way when their favourite item/range is on offer you will able to point it out to them – they may have been planning on cutting back to save some money but knowing that it is on offer will make them want to spend, we all love a bargain!

ü Wear Avon jewellery, fragrance, make-up, handbags etc where you can – people may ask where you got them from, and you will be able to say Avon and ask if they have seen a book recently, gaining you a new customer!

ü Always keep a book with you – you never know when you might bump into a potential new customer.
ü Look out for school fairs/fetes and have a stand there.

ü Stock up on items like 5 for £5, 10 for £10 or the current 99p goodies, shove them in an empty Avon box. Give them to the customers who like a bargain, or people who could take it to work and have a POUND BOX. Some Rep’s sell about £100-£150 every brochure doing this and the increase in customers is amazing.

ü Also every few campaigns you could give a customer who is spending less and less £5.00 off when they spend over £20.00. This may seem a lot but you will notice that their sales go back up!

ü If you are a Mum, or know someone who is: if they have a buggy then they can strategically place an Avon brochure on the hood of the buggy when out and about - people will ask where they got it from! Keep some under the buggy to give out with an order form too.

ü You could buy one of the Avon T-shirts or Umbrellas, or even make yourself a badge to wear – this way people may ask you if they could have an Avon book as they will know you are a Rep.

ü The most important thing to remember is to be reliable – always collect the books on the day you stated, keep going back, provide a good customer service – this way you will keep, and gain, new customers.

ü Fold pages in the book to highlight different products each campaign. I recently folded a fragrance page and sold lots of fragrances which I don’t normally. Highlighting different products can make your customers look more closely at the book, and try something that they wouldn’t have noticed otherwise.

ü Buy samples when they are on offer, and give them out with orders – they will earn your more in extra sales than the samples cost you.

ü Get a personalised stamp (Vistaprint is good for these, they are usually free you just pay for P&P) or print your details onto stickers. This way you can put your details onto the order forms much quicker.

ü Put your books into re-sealable bags, this way people will leave them outside even in bad weather. I use ebay seller jwspackaging, who have an ebay shop under the name of JWS Merchandising.

ü Always use your books for as long as possible, it means you will be making more profit as you will be spending less on books.

ü Keep a note of your customers phone numbers/email addresses, as very often they won’t fill them in every time as they will assume that you have kept a record. This way you will be able to contact them about any problems with their order or delivery.

ü Try putting an extra order form in with the books and write for a friend on it – you never know who your customers might show for you!

loopy201

It wasn't as bad as I thought, the hostess was a friend from work but I didn't know any of her guests but at least I knew her.
I have a hand care one with the nail exfoliator, pearl shine, a range of nail varnishes and hand cream.
Pamper night, face masks, body cream and the sleep therapy range.
Makeup party, focusing on either eyes or lipcare

MarsdenCuckoo

Thanks, guys. Have printed all that off so I can keep it for reference.

Am wondering whether (IF I do a party) I should do the first one in my own home? Any thoughts - yes/no?

Aesop

lozza1985 wrote: »

but some people still think the brochures will deliver themselves!

snipped.
:rotfl: I went to see my Rep yesterday and give her bags and calling cards again! She told me she hadn't been out canvassing as it was too cold, too wet with the rain and she didn't dare go out in the snow.

Fair enough about the snow, even though I did go out delivering books and it was worth it as got more orders than I expected too and obviously delivered their goods.

But to say it has been too cold and I am not going out in the rain.. ok fair point, no one likes getting wet and it is horrible but she doesn't get many orders and isn't making any money and paying out more than making. So surely it would be worth trying to get some books out when other people might be stuck at home too. Good reason for them to sit and look through Avon book and maybe make some orders for her.

But when I saw that by Lozza, they expect the books to deliver themselves.... just reminded me of her. I even offered to go and deliver books with her yesterday with my DS and she said no.

lozza1985

Lol no end of people just can't be bothered to even put a little effort in....no end of excuses....territory too rough (when it isn't that bad, nicer than some of my territory!)...work full-time and it doesn't fit in (err I work full time and with travelling its a 10 hour day - I manage it fine, and so do people with kids!).....too cold...to wet.....etc etc.....at the end of the day - some people will put the effort in, and the others just want an excuse to give up! I hate going out in the cold & wet, and we had fun trying to deliver the orders in the snow (though for once everyone was in lol so got them all done in one go!), but I want the money so I do it even if I might whinge about it sometimes lol!

Aesop

loopy, you did really well on your first party, you put a lot of effort into organising and arranging it.

hmmm might wait a couple of months and then introduce the idea of the party to the rep who never goes out... might be right up her street...lol

Dingdong_2

bexr wrote: »

From the reviews I've read, "Eye Lift" is probably more suited to slightly younger skin, and if she has a lot of under eye wrinkles, she probably won't see 'amazing' results.

How about the Elixir Premium, which is on offer in brochure 4 - £20 instead of £30. This is aimed at 50+ skin and is "clinically proven to reduce the appearance of wrinkles and age spots".

I always think it's better (especially for 50+ skin) to use the products that have been specifically developed for that age rather than the "all ages" products.

NB - My mum (who is 65) loves the cream to powder foundation! She rarely wears any make-up. I think this would be an excellent choice for your customer!

Hugs, Bex

Thanx Bex, sounds like good advice, I'll suggest the elixir premium

lozza1985

This will sound a little cheeky - but if anyone is on Facebook, could you join my group please:

http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=1822625165#/group.php?gid=112258297371

Ignore the geographical location, I only have that as it means people know where I am based if they are looking for a rep. Hoping if can get enough people to join, that could end up with enquires from all over the UK, which could end up benefiting you on here if someone wants a brochure and is local to yourself! Thanks

Plus - I play FishVille - so add me please (I'm Laura Avon Lady, you'll see my posts on the group) I need more neighbours lol!

samace83

Hi Lozza
I just joined your group - I join any avon groups on there!
Sam