~Avon Hints & Tips (Part 8) ~ Please read first post :)

I,_Geek

chairing555 wrote: »

Can you give me advice though on the exchange of brochures, are we allowed and what are the parameters? Can i buy say...3 packs and exchange them over a period of say 5 campaigns?

If reps exchange brochures this is an arrangement between rep and rep, or rep and SL. You'd need to be close to a different area code and if they're ahead of you, your brochures wouldn't be any use to them (unless they use them to prospect with). If they're behind you their brochures won't be of use to you.

You'd also risk:
- not getting enough brochures
- getting brochures you think are too tatty to use

The time taken to pick them up and travel costs would probably mean it's not saving you that much money, plus there's the risks above.

You can always use brochures again for one more campaign (called backordering). So brochure 2 can be given out again during campaign 3. This helps you get more from your brochures.

lozza1985

Exchanging brochures - I meant to ask the person you joined with if you could swap as avon don't let us change or return books for credit.

To pm you need to click on my name then you should be able to select to pm.

chairing555

Thanks for the info I, Geek. I actually meant exchanging the brochures with AVon not with another rep. If i return some unused packs to Avon, i should be able to request same number of packs for the next campaign without any charge shouldnt i?

Thanks for your help...i really appreciate it.

I,_Geek

Avon doesn't accept unused brochures in exchange for ones for another campaign (they don't show up as items available for credit or replacement online). I've heard of them giving a credit to new reps who've ordered the wrong brochure number, or ordered way too many because they've misunderstood how many are in a pack.

If you're worried about it being wasteful you could save up your expired brochures and contact a local SL to see if they want them for prospecting. You should be able to recycle them using your household recycling bin. Technically they're business waste but I've never had any trouble in over 2 years.

From a cost pov, you can use brochures for 2 campaigns and - and many don't see it this way - but the brochures aren't that badly priced. Once you're ordering over 15 copies they're £1 for every 10 on top of that. They're an allowable expense on your tax return, which will keep your net profit down (which in turn keeps your tax bill down if you get one). If you get tax credits it can push them up because the lower your income, the higher your tax credits get.

sampalmernash

[QUOTE=

but the brochures aren't that badly priced. Once you're ordering over 15 copies they're £1 for every 10 on top of that. They're an allowable expense on your tax return, which will keep your net profit down (which in turn keeps your tax bill down if you get one). If you get tax credits it can push them up because the lower your income, the higher your tax credits get.[/QUOTE]

i would very much agree that books are not badly priced. I hardly notice it it increasing my order total once i have added my first 3 packs then started adding more. Every self employed person has tools of the trade to pay for. Ours are books and bags. Not expensive. Its my pet hate to be honest when all i hear is "oh but you have to buy your books" whenever i tell peeps about Avon.

lozza1985

Yeah, I think a lot of people see that other companies have higher earning % for their reps - however, there is usually more "Hidden" costs - ie they might have brochures that are about the same costs - but they might have to pay for delivery charges, order forms, get charged for having a website for customers to order from etc etc, whereas with avon if you run at a minimum costs, you can get away with just brochures, and paper bags, so as we get delivery & order forms etc free, we perhaps have a slightly lower earning discount than from other companies, but overall I feel it works out better, especially if you have smaller orders as then it's more worthwhile.

avocetgirl

talking tax returns do you just put your income (money from customers) and out goings (products and brochures etc) and that shows the nett profit. how can i claim a fuel allowance? do i need fuel receipts and take this out of my profit? but if i fill my car up it costs me £60 and l can't claim for all that as don't use it all to do my avon! i also really need to buy a printer so could i buy this as expenses? would it just come off my bottom line figure? sorry i just find the thing confusing!

I,_Geek

HMRC's notes on filling out your tax return are here: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/worksheets/sa103f-notes.pdf

If you're claiming petrol costs you need to keep a record of your business journeys. I don't do this for Avon, but do for my husband's business. I record where he went, the date, and work out the mileage using RAC or AA's routemaster (put in the start and end postcode and it tells you the mileage). Then he claims 45p per mile. Further info about mileage allowances are here: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/rates/travel.htm

HMRC have a helpline and you can go on a free course. There's also Tax Aid if your income's below a certain level.

avocetgirl

Oh wow can claim 20p a mile if I use my bike!!! Think I might just do that in the spring!

I,_Geek wrote: »

HMRC's notes on filling out your tax return are here: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/worksheets/sa103f-notes.pdf

If you're claiming petrol costs you need to keep a record of your business journeys. I don't do this for Avon, but do for my husband's business. I record where he went, the date, and work out the mileage using RAC or AA's routemaster (put in the start and end postcode and it tells you the mileage). Then he claims 45p per mile. Further info about mileage allowances are here: http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/rates/travel.htm

HMRC have a helpline and you can go on a free course. There's also Tax Aid if your income's below a certain level.

Pips_Mum

Just popping on to wish you all a :xmastree:Very Merry Christmas. :xmastree:

Haven't been on here much since Baby Pea arrived but she is doing well and I am looking forward to her first Christmas.

Thank you for all the help, ideas and posts and see you all in the New Year.

Love and Hugs x x x