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I know this topic has come up alot about selling retail or offering the wholesale option, but do you think A..... has turned into a business only for those willing to give up their right now commission? I come across ladies all the time that are interested in making a couple extra hundred a month, so the easy way would be retail. To make a couple extra hundred a month in override takes ALOT of work, and not everyone wants to put in the time and effort to make it to Area and above where you start seeing the real money. So, my question is, is there still a place in A...... for retail consultants?

I think if you are looking for residual, there is a place for both types on your team.


I have had my VPimply things like, if all they want is a couple hundred a month, it is not worth my time to help them. Well, for her at her level, it is probably not worth her time. But she is training all of her 'directs' me included to work our team the best for us. And that benefits her residual in the long run. I have to remind her sometimes how it was for her when she started out. I think the VPs are at such a different place in their level of belief and momentum, it is hard for them to remember where they were when they started. Like my VP was pushing to move a lot of Results sets, with the 4 or 8 kits and I said, "Honestly, if you had been approached this way would you have done it?" and she paused and said "No, I wouldn't have. But I see now why it is so important and think other people should do it." I know her heart is in the right place, she wants others to succeed and reach their goals fast. But in limiting it to one approach, she is cutting out people that were like me at the beginning, and even like she was at the beginning, and look where she ended up!!


Many, many people that start off looking for a couple hundred a month do great doing that. I have several on my team, and they help me reach my DM minimum! If they all rocketed to the top and promoted out, I would lose that PRV base.


Man, I am long winded today. IN answer to your question, I would say YES, there is a place for retail sellers! I'll take 'em on my team if others don't want them smileys/smiley2.gif!

I agree with anet. That is one of the great things about this business. People can work it or not at the level of their choosing.

I agree, that yes there is a place for them. The will help put you where you want to be. This biz really is great for everyone!

I agree also with Anet....my VP teaches us to do $2500.00 per month PRV and wholesalers and retail customer bases really help with this!!





smileys/smiley1.gif

Here's a question for you all. I really need some retail. I need to make a few hundred a month. But I also feel that I should be telling people about the consultant opportunity and the chance to save 35%. So EVERYBODY signs up to open an account. I'm on the track for DM now, but I'm not making any money. I NEED to be making the money. But I feel morally obligated to tell people about the wholesale option. I gave myself until June to be making the money I need. But if I'm going to be doing it by opening accounts, then I need to be opening about 7 more a month than I already am. (yes, i know I'm not working as hard as i could right now smileys/smiley9.gif)


Anyway, my real question is: How do you do retail? It seems like a silly question, but I honestly don't get it. I can't see doing retail with the Results Approach. I mean, why try to get them to spend $266 when they can get it cheaper? Do you do retail through parties? If so, how do you get people educated enough to actually buy anything more than an aromatherapy lotion? In the very few group presentations that I've done, it seems like no one has left there comfortable enough to purchase an entire set or make the fundamental change to pure, safe and beneficial products. Maybe they'll buy an eye liner or something. So how do you do it?

Hi Leah,


My retail sales come from my Parties. I only sign people up who are making $100 retail purchase. To me, that is the break even point, so its better for them, and better for me. Plus they get their free item with the first order. So like you say, at a party, people might make a small retail purchase. Perfect! You make a little right now money, and have a prospect to follow up with. When they love the 1 thing they tried, they are apt to be willing to try another product. I have a nice little retail re-order business from that, and also peopleto approach about parties. My humble opinion. If you want retail sales, Parties will help you get them. And as you build that customer base, some people may decide to sign up later, which helps your residual income.


Ok. I've blabbed enough.


Hope that makes sense!


Meg





edited becasue I can't type!Edited by: MegJB

I agree, if you are really needing retail then parties are the easiest way to get them. When you've done the parties what are you really showcasing? Are you letting them try the set ontheir face or on their hands? Are you also talking about the other sets we have & breaking them down to show how cost effective all of them are? Are you doing the salt scrub thing at the sink? You want to get them to actually try as much as possible b/c that' what hooks them on it.


As far as doing the residual thing through the REsults. When someone signs up as a Personal Discount Shopper (I was told we can't use the term wholesale buyer anymore) & have no plans of doing the business then be sure & ask for referrals. Let them know that you are happy to sign them up so they can get the best deal but that you are sacrificing the 35% commission so you'd really appreciate it if they could give you some referrals to help you with the business.


Also, are you just focusing on the RE9 or are you instead stressing that they can really Arbonnize their home. By switching on their everyday products to Arbonne products they are getting high quality products that are healthy for their family & also getting them at a discount. So suggest the shampoos, cleansing gels & evreything else they may use for their personal routine. This will help get you to your goal with the residual income.

Ditto what has been said above! If you want retail money, have parties. I still offer the account at the parties, but I do say that it is more worth it if they are placing a $100 order. So, for the rest that cannot spend over $100, they always buy retail, and don't mind at all. This is were excellent customer service comes into play. You follow up with them to make sure they are happy w/ what they purchased. I always give some type of sample skincare for them to take home. Most of the time, they love the results and then are ready to open their own account now that they know they love the product. So it is a win win situation. You made money by taking the time to do the party and educate the guest, and now you have a new wb account.

Leah,


I also agree, it takes a bit to make money if you are going to th top, but it is so worth it! Keep your eye on the prize and make it to DM. Once you get there, money will follow. Believe me, most of the wholesalers you sign up will buy again, or become BB. You need all of them to build your business. Think of it as a small business. It takes 5-10 years to make a return onmost businesses. Our's only takes a few months. I think it's great that you are trying to build like you are. My upline says"small sacrifices for large returns." You may have to give up you 35% now, but it will return in a few weeks or months! Good luck, Heidi smileys/smiley32.gif

You guys are all so great!smileys/smiley31.gif

I have gotten so much from this thread and the varying opinions. Thanks everyone for sharing. I am wanting to make DM next month. I just started today! smileys/smiley36.gif Howevr, I have high hopes. For those of you who made it in the 2 months or less, do you have any specific tips?





Thanks,


Teresa

It's not hard to reach DM, but to maintain DM and shoot for AM, you need a team, whether they are retail consultants, personal use consultants or business builders, you will need a team once you are DM. I've heard countless times that someone will make it to DM and then struggle to maintain DM themselves, because they built too fast on their own, or if they have a team and their team can't keep the momentum (ALWAYS ask for referrals, but EARN the right to ask by providing your clients and personal use consultantswith terrific customer service).

Thanks Cassandra!


I can totally see how that could happen. I will keep it in mind and be careful. I also agree with great customer service. This is not my first go around with customer service, so that should work in my favor! I truly love to help other people and think this will be a neat business. Thanks again for the input. smileys/smiley1.gif


Teresa