Getting Started - Ideas From Youravon.com Community - Growing Your Business

A Big Question - Ways to Get Started! (I confess I thought these were such great ideas that I "borrowed" this thread from youravon.com.)
I signed up just a couple days ago and I'm looking for advice on establishing a customer base. I have done several of the training courses online and have found them helpful. Now I'm simply looking to you, some of the more experienced reps, for advice on my next steps. I haven't placed any orders yet, but I do plan on ordering some brochures. That counts as my order for the current campaign, right?

Re: I'm new! What's my next step? Posted: You can order the brochures, which are business tools, and they will ship without charging you a shipping fee....your first 4 orders you will receive a better percentage on your sales, so try to get as many as you can....40 percent on most items, unless they have the diamond shape beside them, then you receive 20 percent. look to your family and friends to start out with, and ask for referrals, try to reach as many people as possible...you probably will want to order the what's new bags, these hold a brochure just great, and having a hole for hanging on door knobs. you can order them under business tools...just do your best, it takes some time to establish your customer base, and don't order too many samples, etc. until you get established, as this is your profit...take your books, to schools, day cares, church, businesses...and always follow up before your order is to go in...i usually tell my customers the day before my actual due date...make sure all of your info. is on your brochures...you go girl!!

Re: I'm new! What's my next step? Posted Welcome to Avon! If your district has meetings, I would try to attend them to learn more about Avon's products (especially the new ones) so that you can explain them to the customers you find. Also, these boards are really great for information and ideas. Somewhere on here, there is a list of 100 places to leave brochures which could give you some motivation to get out there.

Re: I'm new! What's my next step? Posted: There are Avon Reps leaving brochures in the places mentioned so I suggest you try face to face meeting and get to know your customers and vice versa. I was in a salon a few days ago and several Avon Reps brought in brochures to leave on the table. There must have been at least 50 on those tables but in a couple hours they were all gone! Well, I had to go through a back room to get to the restroom and I took a peek in the trashcan, there were all the Avon catalogs! When I was leaving, I got bold and asked why all the Avon brochures were in the trash, she said she would rather they not leave their brochures in her shop and pointed to a sign posted stating "No Independent Peddlers". So, lookout for those signs. Before I left, I offered her a brochure for her personal use. She called me yesterday and asked if I would go back to her and shop and pickup a few more orders she had from co-workers. Be yourself and don't get discouraged just be friendly and make new friends while giving away your brochures.

Re: I'm new! What's my next step? Posted: :   I am fairly new myself. I am on my 5th campaign. Aside from hitting up all my family members, friends, co-workers and neighbors I have had a lot of success with Facebook. I set up an account just for my Avon and advertise my business that way. I just have my name and Independent Avon Sales Rep. I went and requested every female I could find to be my friend (whether I know them or not) and have had several messages and comments asking for brochure's or how to shop my online store (you can also post your Avon link if you are a e-rep). At first I didn't think it was going to help much as I wasn't getting much attention from it, but the more people I requested to add to my friend list the more responses I got. I actually received a message from a girl this morning who was not on my friends list but had seen my profile from another persons friend list and sent me a message wanting a brochure. The great thing about that was when she told me who's friends list she seen my name on was a girl I don't even know. She was just one I requested without knowing who she was. I am slowly gaining more and more customers. I am picking up at least 1 to 2 new customers a campaign. I have not yet gotten out there and really tried to hand out books to random people or leave them at places yet, but I plan too soon. Good luck and I hope you enjoy selling, I know I do.

Re: I'm new! What's my next step? Posted:   Thank you everyone for the hints and tips. Since I am a stay at home mom, I have signed up to be an e-Rep and tips in that area are very encouraging! I think I "panicked" a little since I signed up right in the middle of a campaign.

Re: I'm new! What's my next step? Posted: If you decide to toss books, I suggest counting houses in the area you want to toss them to first. I started in the C23, so I'm pretty new to this too. I ordered about 150 brochures thinking that would be more than enough. I WAS WRONG! I only got one block tossing books and I ran out. I found that in my area an average there were 28 houses on each street. times that by 4 and it = no more books. I am trying to expand my Avon business, but how can I expand if I can't afford to buy tons and tons of brochures? So do a double count of the area so that you order the right amount, its better to buy extras than to run out. with the extras you can place them in salons, gas stations, anywhere that will let you display them. and ALWAYS carry a few around with you in your bag. I was shopping in Walmart last Saturday, and of all people, a Walmart EMPLOYEE came up to me and asked if I sold Avon, I said yes, He looked so relieved,he needed help shopping for Christmas presents for the ladies in his family(girlfriend,mom,sister,and his girlfriend's mom). but he had no idea what to get them.(men can be clueless when it comes to gift giving to women) I now have his order ready to submit. You never know what kind of person, where or when someone will ask for a brochure. ALWAYS be cheerful and Professional, there will always be one or two people who act nasty to you, but you must not react without thinking and let hurt feelings ruin your professional image. Say: "I am sorry you do not see the value of such a wonderful company that AVON is. If you change your mind, give me a call or email me if you like. I will be waiting to hear from you." Often times these people are just testing your faith in your business or they do not know much about AVON or what they do for the community through The AVON Foundation.

Re: I'm new! What's my next step? Posted: Start taking the Beauty of Knowledge courses!

..

Re: I'm new! What's my next step? Posted:   Again, thanks for all the advice! I'm trying to post as much info as possible on my FaceBook right now to attempt to capitalize on the online side of things since I am a homemaker with only one car between the two of us and I am VERY pregnant right now (4 weeks left, give or take). I will continue to take the online training courses and checking out the forums. On a different note, I was VERY pleased to find out that I can use just about everything on the youravon.com site on my iPod Touch! This way I can be anywhere in my home with the kids and still monitor things!

Re: I'm new! What's my next step? Posted: I know a lot of people do book tossing, but I plan to print out a bunch of fliers with my phone number and website address and stick those on people's doors. I also plan to go to some salons and places like that and ask the employees if they would be interested in a book or two, but I'm not just going to leave a stack on the table. (ask permission first). I will leave word with the owners that if anyone would like a book to call me and will leave a flier with them. I read one story where a rep every campaign left books at at salon (a stack) and another Avon rep happened to be in the salon at the time getting her hair done. When the other rep leaving the books left the employee took the books and tossed them in the trash. The rep that was getting her hair done asked why she did that and the employee stated something to the effect that her store is not for solicitation and showed that there was a sign on the door. So, if you are going to toss books in places like that be sure to make sure there are no "no solicitation" signs hanging anywhere. I think the ending of the story though ended up being that the employee took a book from the rep getting her hair done just because she asked if she would like a book and didn't just walk in and ask if she could leave them. I will get some brochure's to leave on people's doors at their homes with a nice letter enclosed.

Re: I'm new! What's my next step? Posted Import your contact email list into your Avon web office. Send out the forwardable email that says your online store is open. Add a signature to all outgoing email so everyone you know, knows that you now sell Avon. Talk to everyone person you pass about Avon. Do the Power of 3"

Re: I'm new! What's my next step? Posted:  I was planning on "tossing books" with family and right here in my apartment complex. I have been doing everything I can think of on FaceBook except chatting with ladies who are online at the same time I am, tho that is likely to be my next step! Thanks for all the wonderful advice ladies! I love the homemade fliers idea as a way to save some money!

Re: I'm new! What's my next step? Posted  The LOOK BEAUTIFUL FOR LESS fliers are 10 for $1.00 and are very easy to carry around. You can get 100 for $10. You can try that to start and give the regular brochures to your customers. Put a sticker on the fliers asking them to contact you for full size brochure. Another thing about the fliers is they are good for more than one campaign. Another plus for the budget conscious.

Avon - Gluten Free Skincare

GLUTEN FREE SKINCARE: REMEMBER TO CHECK INGREDIENTS EACH TIME
By: Jodie DeRosso

SOLUTIONS:
Solutions Nurtura Replenishing Cream
Solutions Dramatic Firming Cream
Solutions Keep It Clean Multi Vitamin Cleanser
Solutions Keep It Fresh Multi - Vitamin Toner
Solutions Moisture 24
Solutions Hydrofirming Bio 6 Day Cream SPF 15
Solutions Hydrofirming Bio 6 Night Cream
Solutions Healthy Boost Skintrition Moisture Lotion
Solutions Multi-Boost Daily Vitamin Moisturizing Cream
Solutions Banishing Cream
Solutions Sweet Finish Sugar Scrub
Solutions Advanced Eye Perfector
Solutions Beautifully Protected SPF30
Solutions Cellu-Sculpt Body Anti-Cellulite Slimming Treatment
Solutions Re-Fine Stretch Mark Smoother
Clearskin Color Changing Mask
True Pore Fection Skin Refining Cream Cleanser
True Pore Fection Skin refining Toner
True Pore Fection Oil-Free Clearing Lotion
True Pore Fection Skin Refining Mask
True Pore Fection Spot Clearing Treatment

ANEW:
Anew Alternative
Anew Ultra Cream Cleanser
Anew Clarifying Essence
Anew Pure 02 Oxygenating Youth Complex SPF 15
Anew Luminosity Ultra
Anew Instant Eye Smoother
Anew Clearly C 10% Vitamin C Serum
Anew Advance All in One Self Adjusting Cream
Anew Advanced All In One Max Lotion SPF15
Anew Advanced All In One Max Cream SPF15
Anew Line Eliminator Lip Complex
Anew Line Eliminator Dual Retinol Facial Treatment
Anew Line Eliminator Neo Retinol Line Plumper
Anew Perfect Eye Care Cream
Anew Perfect Eye Care Cream (repackage)
Anew Clinical Lift & Tuck Professional Body Shaper
Anew Clinical 2 Step Facial Peel
Anew Retroactive + Repair Body Lotion
Anew Retroactive Body
Anew Retroactive Cream
Anew Retroactive 2 In 1 Cleanser
Anew Force Extra Triple Lifting Night Cream
Anew Force Extra Triple Lifting Day Cream
Anew Force Extra Triple Lifting Eye Cream

COLOR:
Split Second Blush Stick
Beyond Color Perfecting Foundation with Natural Match
Beyond Color Vertical Lift Foundation
Perfect Wear Eye Liner
Perfect Wear Eyewriter Liquid Eyeliner
Glimmersticks Eye Liner
Waterproof Glimmersticks Eye Liner
True Color Eyeshadow
Astonishing Lengths Mascara
Washoff Waterproof Mascara
Perfect Wear Lash Supreme Mascara
Glimmersticks Brow Definer
Ultra Color Rich Renewable Lipstick
Beyond Color Nutralush Lip Conditioner with Retinol
Beyond Color Plumping Lipcolor
Glazewear Liquid Lip Color
Brilliant Moisture
Perfect Wear All Day Comfort Lipstick
Perfect Wear Ink & Gloss
Fruity Lip Juice Lipgloss
Fruity Lip Juice with Sparkles
Color Trend Lip Balm Tints
Perfect Wear Makeup Remover
Nail Experts Marine Nourisher
Nailwear Nail Enamel
Kissie Delights Lip Balm
Ultra Luxury Eye Liner
Glazewear Metallics Lip Gloss
Beyond Color Line Softening Mousse Blush
Daring Definition Mousse Mascara
Beyond Color Quick Pen Plumping Lip Gloss
Beyond Color Lip Exfoliator
Loose Powder Eyeshadow Pot
Ultra Moisture Rich Lipstick
Nail Experts Liquid Freeze Quick Dry Spray
Kissable Lip Frost
Be Kissable All Over Face Palette
Kissie Delights Lip Balm
Candy Mix Lip Balm

FRAGRANCE:
Wild Country After Shave Conditioner
Imari EDP Spray
Bee Kissable EDT
Tommorrow For Men
Fragrant Blooms Room And Linen Spray
Blue Rush Hair And Body Wash
Toning Pads
Scrub Mask
Body Scrub
Hydrator
Cleanser
Mattifier
Spot Away
mark. Customer Pick Eye Shadow
new shades: Hollywood & Vixen
Crystal Shimmer Hook-Up Powder
Good Glowing Pick Powder Blush
4 In Your Dreams Overnight Acne Treatment for Misbehaving Skin
Healthy Shots Mini Facial
Patisserie Eye Soufflé Profile
Patisserie Lip Palette Profile
Crystal Aura Pout Potion Profile
Glow Baby Glow Hook Up Lip Gloss
Luminous Anti-Stretch Mark Cream
Eye Be Good Preventative Eye Cream
Iridescent Lip Palette
Iridescent Eye Palette
Face Glossing Gel
Lip Shineline
Flight of Fancy Lip Palette (promotional)
True Pore Fection Oil-Free Clearing Lotion
True Pore Fection Skin Refining Mask
True Pore Fection Spot Clearing Treatment

PERSONAL CARE & MISC.
Silicone Glove
Bronze Self Tan Cream Face SPF6
Solutions Re-Fine Stretch Mark Smoother
Cellu-Sculpt Anti-Cellulite Slimming Treatment
Vita Moist Hand Cream
Fresh Peach Bubble Bath
Vanilla Cream Bubble Bath
Sensitive Skin Bubble Bath
Kids Bubble Bath
Soft Pink Bubble Bath
Vanilla Cinnamon Bubble Bath
Bubble Bath Angel Mini Soaps
Moisture Therapy Moisturizing Lip Treatment
Moisture Therapy Intensive Body Lotion
Moisture Therapy Aloe Body Lotion
Moisture Therapy Extra Strength Cream
Moisture Therapy Olive Body Lotion
Avon Basics Care Deeply with Aloe Lip Balm
Flavor Savers Lip Gloss
Avon Basics Care Deeply with Aloe Body Lotion
Avon Basics Care Deeply with Cocoa Butter Body Lotion
Footworks Double Action Sloughing Cream
SSS Original Bath Oil
SSS Bug Guard Plus
SSS BGP - sponge
SSS BGP Aerosol
SSS Soft Soft & Sensual Body Polish
SSS Smooth Hair Minimizing Lotion
SSS Smart Moisture Body Lotion
SSS Nourishing Body Lotion
SSS Replenishing Body Lotion
SSS Creamy Body Wash
SSS Calming Bath Milk
SSS Replenishing Body Oil Spray
SSS Facial Hair Remover
SSS Shaving Cream
Avon Sun Baby Lotion SPF 40
Self Tan Lotion
Naturals Cucumber Melon Body Lotion
Naturals Lip Balm
Naturals Antibacterial Hand Gels
Naturals Lavender and Chamomile Foam Bath
Cocoa and Lotus Flower Body Lotion
Cocoa and Lotus Flower Shower Gel
Cocoa and Lotus Flower Foam Bath
Cocoa and Lotus Flower Body Spray
Apple Cinnamon Spice Room & Linen Spray
Naturals Mango Lip Balm
Autumn Comforts Lip Balm
Dew Kiss Lip Dew
Floral Prints Sheer Rose Body Spray
Floral Prints Sheer Rose Body Cream
Floral Prints Sheer Rose Shower Gel
Floral Prints Magnolia Soap
Planet Spa Mediterranean Conditioning Hair Mask
Planet Spa Mediterranean Creamy Facial Wash
Planet Spa Mediterranean Whipped Body Creme
Planet Spa Shea Butter Brown Sugar Scrub
Planet Spa Shea Butter Calming Moisture Milk
Planet Spa Shea Butter Hand and Cuticle Creme
Planet Spa Shea Butter Light Body Lotion
Be Kissable Sassy Souflle Body Creme
Be Kissable Seductive Bubble Bath and Shower Wash

Instructions
Take a Good Look in Your Makeup Bag!

Using the ingredient list below, check all of your current makeup for the ingredients listed. If you no longer have the packaging do an online search at a drugstore. Throw out products that have gluten, and start over. (if you don't have skin problems associated with gluten, you can decide whether or not to replace face products. Lipstick or anything that could get in your mouth, however, should be gluten free)
Know What Cosmetic Ingredients Include Gluten:
Here are some ingredients you might find in cosmetics that could indicate wheat or gluten:

hyrolyzed malt extract
hydrolyzed wheat protein
hydrolyzed vegetable protein
wheat germ
vitamin e
cyclodextrin
barley extract
fermented grain extract
oat (avena sativa)
stearyldimoniumhydroxypropyl
samino peptide complex
phytosphingosine extract
triticum vulgare
dextrin
dextrin palmitate
maltodextrin
Secale Cereale
Sodium C8-16 Isoalkylsuccinyl Wheat Protein Sulfonate
yeast extract
anything with wheat in the name

Avon Important Phone Numbers

Avon Customer Service and account inquiries - Springdale Call Center (513) 551-2866

Product Questions Only - Avon Consumer Information Center
1251 Avenue of the Americas New York, NY 10020 - 1196
(800) 445-2866 Monday - Friday 8 - 6 Eastern


Leadership Desk - (800) 323-0651  Mon - Fri 7 - 11pm


Leadership Fax (866) 247-2866

For Leadership reps to mail in contracts: 
Avon Products Inc. PO Box 105033 Atlanta, GA 30348-5033
(write "Contracts" and the quantity enclosed in the lower left hand corner of your envelope - and make sure to put in mail soon after recording contract info on www.youravon.com under appointment processing. After 45 days contract and rep info is null and void).

Have An Avon Party Or Even Better, Lots of Avon & Mark Parties!!!

Group Selling:
Great Game Ideas From Beauty of Knowledge.
Use games to make your Group Selling event a success. And
remember, you're not just playing a party game—you're selling,
sharing, and showing too. So give one of these games a try!


Seven Layers
You’ll need: an Avon product of your choice, wrapped in seven
layers of tissue paper
1. Ask seven Avon Trivia questions (on the next page).
2. Each guest who answers a question correctly unwraps a
layer of tissue paper.
The guest who answers the seventh question correctly unwraps
the last layer and keeps the gift.


Guess the Price
You'll need: an Avon product of your choice
1. Introduce the product, describing its features and benefits.
2. Let each guest try the product. Provide samples if possible.
3. Ask, "What is the price of this product?"
4. Award a prize to the guest whose answer is closest to the
actual price.


Who am I?
You'll need: one Avon Brochure per guest
1. Distribute one Brochure to each guest.
2. Explain that guests will search for products within the
Brochure using clues that you will provide.
3. Give product clues, such as
a. I am Avon's best-selling lipstick. Who am I?
(Ultra Color Rich),
b. I'm the #1 anti-aging product in America. Who am I?
(Anew Clinical Line & Wrinkle Corrector), or
c. I am one of Avon's most well known brands. Who am I?
(Skin-So-Soft)
4. Award a prize to the guest who can find the product in the
Brochure first




More Game Ideas:
Avon Trivia Questions
(Correct answers are shown in bold.)
1. Which beauty company sells more lipstick than any other
brand: Avon, L’Oréal, or Revlon?
2. What is the name of Avon's top-selling anti-aging skincare
line: Again, Alive, or Anew?
3. What year was Avon founded: 1776, 1886, or 1926?
4. How much does it cost to become an Avon
Representative: $10, $50, or $150?
5. When Avon was founded in 1886, what was the company
originally called: the California Perfume Company, the
California Beauty Company, or the Company for Women?
6. The Mrs. Albee award is given to Avon Representatives
who achieve outstanding sales. This award is named for: 
the first Avon Representative, the 1st President of
Avon, or the 1st Avon Stockholder?
7. How many Independent Avon are there worldwide: 2.4
million, 3.4 million, or 4.4 million?
8. The Avon Foundation is a major contributor to which
charities? Correct answers include: the Breast Cancer
Crusade and Speak Out Against Domestic Violence
9. Name two celebrities who have appeared in Avon ads.
Correct answers include: Helen Hayes, Irene Dunn,
Claudette Colbert, Joe DiMaggio, Jimmy Stewart, Sunny
Griffin, Catherine Deneuve, Serena and Venus Williams,
Jewel and Salma Hayek
10. Name two slogans that Avon has used through the years.
Correct answers include: Ding Dong Avon Calling; With
Avon, You Never Looked So Good; Women Are Beautiful;
Just Another Avon Lady; Dare to Change Your Mind About
Avon; Claim Your Beauty; Let's Talk Avon


I also have an Avon Word Scramble that all of my reps are
welcome to using.


Party thoughts - find your hostesses, and
tempt them with a gift and 10% of the party's gross sales.
What a great way to boost your sales, gain new customers,
and all of a couple of hours of fun. Have your host or hostess invite
two or three times more people than you want, and you want plenty!


Leave books for those who can't make it, so that they can add to the party
sales.


For you new reps, have a grand opening party, pick a theme or not, use your home or
mine, or I know several of you have free access to your church! Next time you place an order,
add plenty of customer order books and credit card slips to it, as these are free tools.
Make sure you have lots of Avon and mark magalogs, pens, samples if you wish, and
most importantly, a big smile on your face. Just let me know your party date so you
can have all the latest products to show - no charge, and no need to order a bunch of
inventory unless there are items you wish to have on hand.

Don't forget about easy online eparties too!

Our Best Avon Tools

I love our website, and when I have extra time at the end or beginning of a day, I log on to http://www.youravon.com. If you have taken all of the Beauty of Knowledge courses like I have, I am going back and retaking some. I always find something new and informative under the Beauty of Knowledge tools and resources.

My other favorite place to go on the website is to the Community Boards. The majority of the reps there are so excited about Avon and it is contagious!

I am always here to help all those on my team in any way. This is your business so know I am here to support you. I am just a phone call, or email away, at melanie4youravon@aol.com.

Growing Your Business - 50 Ways to Expand Your Avon Business

“Your Avon Representative will be calling on you… welcome her.”

50 WAYS TO GET NEW CUSTOMERS!
1. Set a goal to find at least 2 new customers every campaign.

2. Use the “Power of 3” – Make 3 new contacts every day.
3. Comparison shop and be ready to give results to contacts.
4. Increase the number of brochures ordered by 10 every campaign.
5. Leave a brochure at 1 new business every campaign.
6. Start a jewelry club – Especially for those who never buy make-up (then start putting make-up and skin samples with their orders).
7. Wear an Avon logo pin or shirt – It’s free advertisement to those who don’t know you are an Avon representation.
8. Have 1 product each campaign that is the campaign special – Hand out info and samples about it to every contact and offer a discount of 10% or 20% if they purchase it in that campaign.
9. Have a positive attitude – It sells.
10. Show pages from national magazines that feature news about Avon products.
11. Spray your brochures with fragrances.
12. Find helpers in businesses, churches, schools, etc. and reward them for taking orders for you.
13. Remember that “NO SOLICITING” usually does not mean the Avon lady.
14. Leave a basket of demos in a business and pick them up the next day with orders too!!!
15. Pass our lumpy brochures out to businesses.
16. Stress the Avon unconditional guarantee.
17. Remind customers that they can charge their order – They normally buy more that way.
18. Commit to instant delivery on colognes and ask business owners if you can leave a full bottle on their counter. Offer a special price to their customers who would like to purchase the bottle and reward the business owner.
19. Advertise a “NEW CUSTOMER SALE” – Choose 2 or 3 products each campaign and offer a special discount to the “FIRST-TIME” customers.
20. Have an “OLD-TIMERS” special – Offer a special discount, a free product or a free trial size to any regular customer who gets you a new customer.
21. Have a special raffle drawing for any customer who has a minimum $20.00 order.
22. Have a “BUNNY SALE” for Easter – Offer 5% off every product that starts with the letter “B”.
23. Place business cards on every available bulletin board. Leave them on restaurant tables, in public restrooms(tape them on the back of the restroom stall), and tape them to public telephones.
24. Start a beauty club – After 10 purchases, the 11th  is 50% off.
25. Fill little baskets with samples and leave them in businesses with brochures.
26. Provide a business card holder and cards to any business owner who will allow you to place it in the counter.
27. Offer free gift wrapping for men customers.
28. Offer to keep records of birthdays and anniversaries.
29. Talk to every customer about fund-raising.
30. Leave cologne samples in beauty shops. Offer 1 free product to the owner for each 10 sold.
31. Have a home party!!! Offer an Avon gift certificate to the hostess.
32. Wear different Avon fragrances – when people ask which fragrance you are wearing – offer them a brochure, a business card and a sample.  Get their contact info as well!
33. Attend sales meetings faithfully!!! You will always learn something new to pass on and you can personally see and experience many of the new products.
34. Take Skin-So-Soft samples to any place and organization where workers are subject to bugs.
35. Put a sign in your car window and/or your yard that you sale Avon.
36. Advertise in local papers – Especially clearance sales, special discounts, or introduction of new products.
37. If you want bigger sales, talk to your district manager – She’s been there and done that.
38. Have a garage sale – Set out samples, brochures, and extra products.
39. Give each customer an extra brochure and ask them to give them to family and friends.
40. Give a brochure and sample to every person behind the check-out counter.
41. Put books in day care centers.
42. Send letters to employers and managers of local businesses offering special holiday services.
43. Have an open house of Avon products during holiday seasons and offer free gift wrapping.
44. Offer an “AVON PARTY” at businesses during lunch hours.
45. Always carry a demo basket with you – Your customers will have friends visiting too.
46. Carry a “BARGAIN BASKET” – Purchase inexpensive products from outlet flyers and sell these to people who do not want to place an order. Also a good way to sell used “demos” or unwanted products that may accumulate.
47. Keep extra products on hand for people who may need a gift to give on the spur of the moment. Avon products make great wedding shower gifts.
48. Know your products!!!! Make brand comparisons and provide copies for your customers
49. Become an e-representative and get new customers on the internet.
50. Become an Avon Beauty Advisor via the free online training! 

I also found these helpful ideas below from another source, and have put my own twist on them - some are similar, but certainly worth going over.
I suggest doing what I do and zero in on a few favorites each week to focus on, and set goals for each new campaign.


How to Increase Your Customer Base

1.  Leave brochures everywhere you go.  Doctor’s office, dentist’s office, pediatrician, bank, ATM machine, car wash, fast food restaurants, convenience stores, grocery stores, floral shops, etc.. 

2.  Wear something from Avon such as jewelry, clothing, perfume, etc.  When people comment, tell them it’s Avon and ask if they’d like to order   Wear Avon slippers or some such (I wear an Avon coat and pin whenever out) to do deliveries.   Take an Avon perfume or hand lotion with you when you deliver your orders and ask your customer if s/he’d like to sample it.

3.  The Power of Three or Five or Seven:  Give a brochure to three people you don’t know each day and get their phone numbers to check back with them before your order goes in.

4.  When you deliver your orders, give your customer two brochures and ask her to pass one along to a friend.  Tell her she will get a free gift (lip balm or something similar), if her friend orders.

5.  Go canvassing.  Pick a neighborhood, and go door to door.  Knock on the door and introduce yourself.  Offer a sample and/or a brochure.  Ask for their phone number.  Or, use the What’s New door hanging bags and leave books and a letter of introduction at people’s homes.

6.  Canvass businesses.  Fix up a pretty basket with samples and small items (lip balm, small hand creams, trial size products, samples, etc.) and go to offices/businesses.  Offer a book and something from your basket.  Ask if you can call back to see if there are any orders.  Staple a couple of pages from the order book on the front of the brochure for the employees to fill out.

7.  Ask all your customers if they will take a book to work with them.  Offer to pay them in free Avon if they get orders for you.  They will then become “helpers” which could be the backbone of your business.

8.  Get a small rack or a shower caddy-type basket from the dollar store.  When you go into a store or a shopping center, leave the basket/rack on the back of your car with brochures in it. There are also similar items sold on ebay.

9.  Ask a friend to host an Avon Party   You are not required to do home parties, but they are great fun, you’ll pick up new customers, and you’ll increase your sales



How to Increase Your Sales

1.  Call all your customers before you put your order in.  I may hesitate and then I call to happily hear, “Oh, I’m so glad you called because I wanted to order something and I have my order right here by the phone”

2.  Suggestive selling.  If your customer orders a lipstick, suggest a nail polish to go with it.  If she orders a cleanser, suggest a toner or moisturizer to go with it.  If she orders an eye liner, recommend a mascara, etc.

3.  Read your Rep Times.  Read your What’s New.  Go through the brochure when it comes and learn what’s on sale. Your books are your store, and knowing your books, new products, and sale pricing will only increase your sales. 

4.  Go through all of the Resource Guides from youravon.com under the Beauty of Knowledge.  There is a wealth of information in it on Avon products.

5.  Bundle products.  When a customer calls to order a perfume, offer the perfume, shower gel and body lotion, all in the same scent, with a small discount if they buy all three. 

6.  Offer your customers a deal they can’t refuse.  Buy three Bug Guard Plus, get one free.  Buy three shampoos, get one free.  Buy three bubble baths, get one free.  It cuts a little into your profit, but it increases your cash flow and award sales.

7.  Put samples in your books of a new product.  Call your customers back and ask how they liked it.  Put a sample or two in their order.  When you call them ask how they liked it.

8.  Demos.  Pick one or two items from the What’s New and show it everywhere.  Seeing is buying.  At the end of the campaign, offer to sell your demo for your cost, and use that money to buy the next demo.

9.  Take the Beauty Adviser training.  Reps who have done this have doubled their sales. Your confidence sells.

10.  Do an Avon Fund-Raiser   Avon fund-raisers can quickly put money in your pocket and dramatically increase your sales base   Avon provides all of the materials and you can choose which type of fund-raiser to do based on the organization and participants involved.

Avon Skin So Soft

Launched in 1961, the year in which I was born, Avon Skin So Soft has evolved from bath oil into an entire line of skincare products bearing the name. As the name implies, Avon Skin So Soft was developed to soften and condition the skin, but this product also has a wide variety of potential applications. Avon Skin So Soft can be used for cleaning and freshening, as well as repelling insects.

SSS Bath Oil uses                                          

 

PERSONAL/HYGIENE

Bath Oil and after shower moisturizer

Eye makeup remover

Tanning oil (PLEASE NOTE: NO SUNSCREEN/BLOCK!)

Massage oil

Mild insect repellent

Relieves itchy skin due to dryness

Cleans off tape marks left on skin from bandages

Cleans ink off skin

Cleans grease and oil off skin

Removes paint from hands (better than turpentine)

Soothes light sunburn

Rub hands with it before washing, hands are cleaner

Put 1-2 cap full in LIQUID SOAP and use it for shaving legs and under arms. Razor glides with no razor burn

Pour a little into your foot tub, helps feet relax

Removes chewing gum from hair, skin and most non-pourus surfaces

Original Scent works GREAT on Head Lice! Saturate head and keep it on for 15 minutes. These rinse under an
OUTDOOR faucet. lice are gone. You will need to wash the hair a number of times to remove the oiliness, but lice are gone.
HOUSEHOLD USES

Use towelettes around window and doors - keep bugs out

Kills ants instantly

Cleans ink off rubber stamps

Wood cleaner and conditioner for cabinets and furniture

Removes glue and gum left from price tags and labels from glass, metals and most plastics.

Removes soap scum from shower doors, curtains, bathroom and kitchen fixtures

Removes lime and water deposits from fixtures, tile, shower doors and windows

Oil lubricant for fitting pipe joints that wont slip together

Cleans ink off most vinyl painted surfaces

Takes fur and animal hair off of clothing

Removes crayon markings from appliances and most surfaces

Clean and conditions leather

Use it on the air conditioner filter. Your incoming air will smell fresher and the filter will be easier to clean in the future

Cleans paint brushes and keeps them looking like new

Removes gum from carpets

Removes scuff marks from leather shoes

Removes "ring around the collar"

Removes candle wax from furniture, carpets and clothing

HUMMINGBIRD FEEDERS: To deter bees - try rubbing SSS on the feeder surface

Great Furniture polish

Put SSS in one of the bottles you attach to your backyard hose and spray your entire backyard. Will cut down on ants and other creepy crawlies and flying bugs

Spray on flowerbeds to keep deer from eating the blooms

Kills spiders

It's a fabric softener in the wash
ANIMAL USES

Great insect repellent for your pet (As recommended in "Outdoor Life" and "Field and Stream")

Mix 5 parts water, 1 part SSS and mist on animals. Brushing is easier and coat will "gleam"

Mix in pet's bath water for flea removal

Rub on your hands before and after working with your pets and farm animals. It will remove the strong "odor"

For DOG DRY SKIN: 1 Tablespoon of SSS per gallon of water and use as an after bath rinse, or spritz your dogs coat once a week

Tar and asphalt removal on pads of animals feet

FLEA REPELLENT: 1 1/2oz of SSS per gallon of water - sponge dip or spritz.

FLEA BATH: use after shampooing with a FLEA AND TICK SHAMPOO (your choice of brand)

HORSE USES

BLACK FLY SPRAY: 1 cup SSS, 1/2 cup liquid detergent and 3 gallons of water

Hoof polisher without drying

Muzzle, eye and ear enhancer
AUTOMOBILE USES

Removes tar spots from car without damaging the paint

Clean and moisturize all the vinyl in the automobile

After washing, spray on tires for a conditioner and shine

Put some on a small washcloth and leave in the car - keeps air fresh and clean

Cleans Mechanics Hands

Removes tree sap

Prior to traveling, rub SSS on headlights and car grill - makes cleaning easier
This list has also been compiled by customers over the years, and is NOT from Avon, the maker of Skin So Soft products, who make no such claims.

Fun Lists For My Reps. & Their Customers: Avon - Bubble Bath Uses

The many uses of Avon Bubble Bath 

There are many scents to chose from, including Sensitive Skin, Fresh Peach, Kids, Soft Pink, and Vanilla (yummy). The company that sells Avon Bubble Bath, Avon  will not be held liable for any problems arising with using the Bubble Bath in any manner inconsistent with the package instructions. Having said that, as this is a list from loyal customers, here are some interesting uses for you to try.


1) Bubble Bath - Zillions of bubbles that leave NO bathtub ring.


2) Vehicle Wash - Does a beautiful job on washing cars, mobile homes, RVs, and boats.


3) Laundry detergent - You won't need fabric softener.


4) Hand washing delicates.


5) As a presoak - Use on heavily soiled laundry - GREAT for ring around the collar and greasy work clothes.


6) Window Cleaner.


7) Wash appliances.


8) Wash no wax floors.


9) Liquid Dish Soap.


10) Pet Shampoo (along with SSS Bath Oil).


11) Clean bathroom fixtures and mirrors.


12) Shampoo carpets (whole room or a spot).


13) Wash walls and ceilings.


14) Use bubbles and sponge to shampoo furniture or vehicle interiors.


15) Cleans chandeliers and light fixtures.


16) Cleans china, windows, etc. (all glass).


17) Wash your plant leaves, they will shine. Then pour into soil as a fertilizer.


18) Upholstery stains come out by rubbing with a damp cloth dipped in full strength bubble bath. Do not wet the sponge with water. Water may leave a stain, the bubble bath won't.


19) Clean your jewelry, even costume jewelry.

20) Splatter grease (butter too) on a good blouse? Put straight bubble bath on the spot, let sit a few minutes and wash. No spots!

21) Wash Venetian blinds.

22) Wash paneling - no rinsing, no streaks.

23) Clean your eyeglasses.

24) Put some bubble bath and a bit of water in your potpourri burner.

25) Clean your painted or real wood cupboards

These are the various ways to mix Avon Bubble Bath: pour 1 capful into a pail and fill with water or pour into your sink by the capful and fill with water for doing your dishes. You can also pour a capful into a empty spray bottle (you can get these at most dollar stores) and add water. This bubble bath water combo in a spray bottle is excellent when cleaning countertops, or for spot cleaning most anything. This bubble bath water combo in a spray bottle is excellent when cleaning countertops, or for spot cleaning most anything.. When doing clothes, put a capful into your washer for small to medium loads or 1 capful to 1 1/2 capfuls for larger loads of laundry. For those really tough cleaning areas try scrubbing with Avon Bubble Bath poured straight onto your sponge and after cleaning, rinse well with plain water.