The Golden Rule

One of the interesting things about Avon, beyond the fact that you can make a mint at it, is the way some folks treat the Avon Lady. 

I read a book recently called, "Don't Shoot Me, I'm Just The Avon Lady" and found it funny what this poor woman endured over the years just trying to make an honest living and keep food on her table.  As I've encountered similar situations as an Avon Lady, I've often wondered whatever happened to the Golden Rule.  You know the one, 'treat others as you would want to be treated'.  Let me explain.

In order to have a customer base one must get their brochures into as many hands as possible.  Not unlike 'The Door Store',  a bunch of printed ads that arrive weekly on the driveway apron or hanging on the mailbox in a plastic bag, we Avon reps need to mass distribute our catalogs.  Some reps chose to go door  to door and hang them.  This is fine if homes are close together and there are not a lot of steps.  Not to mention one needs a LOT of free time to do it this way if you plan to distribute any large number.  And it is a numbers game, to gain a few customers you end up distributing several hundred brochures.

Because I distribute 600-1000 books a campaign, I've taken to using the roll and toss method.  I learned it reading other rep's stories.  I put the brochures in the plastic bags, roll them, put a rubber band around them, then drive along throwing them on driveways like the paper boy would do.  Based on the number of customers I have, I would say this method works.  I have more this way than when I hung them on doors.  Also, once someone orders from me I include brochures in their orders and then will also hang the book  on their door.  Or if they call and specifically request that.

What amazes me is out of the thousands of brochures tossed between me, my sister and my mom, the few rather rude individuals we have encountered.  The newspaper and the weekly store ads are thrown on their driveway without issue.  But when we tossed a brochure in the same method, we receive a call or email stating that we are littering their yards.  My sister and I have each received 1 flat out nasty and mean call regarding this.  It isn't the many wonderful customers that we remember, it is the unkind, and often rude few that get to you and can discourage you and make you feel bad.

I got let go when the economy tanked, from a nice office job I had for 26 years.  I managed 2 more offices that also fell victim to the times. I could be sitting on unemployment or welfare, but I have chosen to try to make a living working for myself selling Avon.  It isn't easy work by any stretch but I like it.  I offer great customer service and I'm always nice and polite to everyone, even when someone is just plain rude.

Ease up on those folks trying to make an honest living next time you want to complain.  Be it the cashier working retail who is simply doing their job as they are trained, or someone like me that tosses some books hoping to gain a new customer.  You never know their story, what they are about, why they do what they do, or what they do for the community.  I work hard with Avon to help contribute to charity events in my township, have business license and volunteer my time and donate my products.  If  you don't want the service, a polite thanks but not interested will do.  Littering your yard? Please, no more so than the ads or the newspaper.  Treat  others as  you'd want to be treated, we pay taxes instead of living off of yours, cut us some slack.

OH and remember my name, because my business IS growing and one day I will be quite well off and you just never know when you might be needing my assistance. Believe me, I will remember yours!