My son just bought stock in Apple. It's no wonder, he has virtually everything Apple makes. He was "going on about the iPhone for ages and last year I finally broke down and bought one!
The power of this little baby is amazing, as usual he was right. I currently run multiple business right off my phone. I can collect credit card payments, invoice customers and communicate through social networks right off the phone. Business in the 21st century means being ahead of the competition, being well connected is a must.
For now I want to discuss an app (program downloaded to your cell phone for a specific purpose). I have been wanting to accept credit card payments on the fly but didn't want to be burdened with a separate machine and a costly monthly fee (been there done that). One morning over breakfast we heard on "Good Morning America" about an app that does just what we wanted - accept credit cards via my iPhone. I quickly searched it out and have been using it with great success! I love it - no monthly fees (you get free this little square card reader that plugs into your earphone jack so you can swipe cards and the money goes right into your bank account. We're still waiting for the free card reader but you can key in the info into the phone to complete the transaction. In about 3-4 business days we've been paid and the cost is actually less than conventional card readers. The app we use.
So why would I mention this - well you can accept credit cards for your Avon business by filling out a credit card slip and calling for approval, but this is not possible for items you currently have on hand ie. flea market.
This simply is an opportunity for you to receive cash to your bank account via someones credit card (not everyone carries cash and who wants to accept a check?
I'll be posting other great uses for your iPhone (android etc) as time goes on but they are certainly a viable business tool! Yup my boy was right - I needed one!
Note:
I suppose the pilot program is over, I didn't have to enter all the information regarding the phone just an email address and bank information. Square will verify your account, once done you're off!
For those that are wondering I offer this information freely as a satisfied customer and I receive no financial compensation for posting.
Saturday, November 6, 2010
Learning The Biz
How much time do you spend learning about you business? Do you frequent Avon learning tools "beauty of knowledge" (found on the Avon site map)?
Chances are you do, after all you're here right? Avon will teach you what you need to know about their products and how how to run your business but that is not the only place to learn. Remember, knowledge is power - the more power you have the faster you'll go!
Dedicate time each day to educating yourself about your business, you decide how much time, you'll spend and where you'll spend it. The internet is a magnificent tool, you can find virtually anything you want to know, so surf away!
Chances are you do, after all you're here right? Avon will teach you what you need to know about their products and how how to run your business but that is not the only place to learn. Remember, knowledge is power - the more power you have the faster you'll go!
Dedicate time each day to educating yourself about your business, you decide how much time, you'll spend and where you'll spend it. The internet is a magnificent tool, you can find virtually anything you want to know, so surf away!
More On Tossing
I just read a post on another Blog regarding tossing. There are many views so I think I'll address it again for those that care to read.
If you were the only Avon Representative on the planet I'd say Toss away - then it becomes a numbers thing. However look at it this way, you are in competition with other representatives after the same thing you are - that customer! If I'm out in the front yard and you toss a book - I'll toss it right back at you! Personally I don't care what your reasons are for tossing; as a customer I know that you simply couldn't be bothered to properly place the brochure (which is by the way your storefront) in a bag and place it on the door knob.
You must look at the big picture, doing what's easy is not always what's best. If you're in this for the long haul the money you waste tossing could be spent on other advertising means.
Personally I believe the best way to canvass a neighborhood is door to door. Introduce yourself and your business, after all that's how this whole thing got started right? Ask yourself this: As a customer are you more likely to buy from the representative that tosses or the one that takes the time to actually introduces herself?
Important Considerations
NOTE:
Avon representatives are a dime a dozen, here today and gone tomorrow, many customers have ordered products from another representative and never got the item. New customers assume you'll be no different - it's up to you to be persistent. Go back, and be sure to follow up with a phone call.
Think of it this way, if you only saw one ad for Geiko you'd probably give them little credit - it's because they keeping hammering away at you that many Americans have switched their insurance carrier. Be like Geiko - keep going back.
If you were the only Avon Representative on the planet I'd say Toss away - then it becomes a numbers thing. However look at it this way, you are in competition with other representatives after the same thing you are - that customer! If I'm out in the front yard and you toss a book - I'll toss it right back at you! Personally I don't care what your reasons are for tossing; as a customer I know that you simply couldn't be bothered to properly place the brochure (which is by the way your storefront) in a bag and place it on the door knob.
You must look at the big picture, doing what's easy is not always what's best. If you're in this for the long haul the money you waste tossing could be spent on other advertising means.
Personally I believe the best way to canvass a neighborhood is door to door. Introduce yourself and your business, after all that's how this whole thing got started right? Ask yourself this: As a customer are you more likely to buy from the representative that tosses or the one that takes the time to actually introduces herself?
Important Considerations
- Make sure you're not breaking any ordnance's regarding going door to door.
- For safety reasons (there are lots of nuts out there), don't go along, take hubby or another Representative or an adult family member), DON'T GO ALONE!
- Pick a safe neighborhood
- Pick an appropriate time of day (diner time is annoying - Saturday works best)
- Don't be long winded - introduce your self - hand them your brochure and GET THEIR PHONE NUMBER - you'll need it to follow up.
NOTE:
Avon representatives are a dime a dozen, here today and gone tomorrow, many customers have ordered products from another representative and never got the item. New customers assume you'll be no different - it's up to you to be persistent. Go back, and be sure to follow up with a phone call.
Think of it this way, if you only saw one ad for Geiko you'd probably give them little credit - it's because they keeping hammering away at you that many Americans have switched their insurance carrier. Be like Geiko - keep going back.
Dealing With Problem Customers
Sending Items Back
Now that you are an Avon Representative, you have customers, most will be easy to deal with, but not all. You will run into customers that will want to return everything (it's the wrong size, color you name it there is something wrong with an item). It seems as though these people get a charge out of this kind of behaviour: granted sometimes items need to go back, that's life, but the customer that uses a bottle of Anew (the entire bottle) and then says "it made my face break out" is up to no good. Here's what we do. If a customer has a legitimate excuse - no problem replace the item or give them a credit, Avon has a 100% guarantee so you will be reimbursed. If they insist on a cash refund give it (give her a receipt that you have given her the money back and have her sign it). If your customer is playing games as mentioned above - tell her you'll be glad to take the item back but she'll need to pay for shipping (chances are she'll think twice, this time and certainly next).
The more you do this (sell Avon) the better you'll get at spotting problem customers, remember this is a business, you will try to satisfy everyone, but you can't. Develop your own rules as to how you will deal your customers,try to put yourself in their position, most times they will have a legitimate complaint but don't be bullied by those that waste both your time and money.
Business Hours
Set your own hours of business. Many people stay up late at night and some feel that if they're up you must be too. We're up early, generally around 4:00 am, however we're in bed by 9:00 pm (it's the whole early bird thing I suppose). Our phone gets shut off at bed time, if someone wants to get in touch with us they can leave a message (on the rare occasion my wife forgets and the phone rings at midnight, my wife will promptly call back when she gets up - 4:00am!
I must say that rarely do we receive calls from customers at all hours, generally it's from representatives, those are told to leave a detailed message and we'll get back with them (when the sun it up!)
Not Having The Money
I'll pay you on Friday when my check comes in. Chances are you have heard this one before, dealing with this one is simple (have your rules). "NO MONEY NO PRODUCT". You don't go into Walmart pick something off the shelf and tell the clerk you'll pay them on payday do you? Then why would you offer this to anyone. If they want it give them the item when they pay for it, don't offer credit - you will get burned. If they don't pay you for the item - send it back or try to resell it! Remember if you give the customer the item and don't get paid for it - you're still responsible for the bill to Avon.
Now that you are an Avon Representative, you have customers, most will be easy to deal with, but not all. You will run into customers that will want to return everything (it's the wrong size, color you name it there is something wrong with an item). It seems as though these people get a charge out of this kind of behaviour: granted sometimes items need to go back, that's life, but the customer that uses a bottle of Anew (the entire bottle) and then says "it made my face break out" is up to no good. Here's what we do. If a customer has a legitimate excuse - no problem replace the item or give them a credit, Avon has a 100% guarantee so you will be reimbursed. If they insist on a cash refund give it (give her a receipt that you have given her the money back and have her sign it). If your customer is playing games as mentioned above - tell her you'll be glad to take the item back but she'll need to pay for shipping (chances are she'll think twice, this time and certainly next).
The more you do this (sell Avon) the better you'll get at spotting problem customers, remember this is a business, you will try to satisfy everyone, but you can't. Develop your own rules as to how you will deal your customers,try to put yourself in their position, most times they will have a legitimate complaint but don't be bullied by those that waste both your time and money.
Business Hours
Set your own hours of business. Many people stay up late at night and some feel that if they're up you must be too. We're up early, generally around 4:00 am, however we're in bed by 9:00 pm (it's the whole early bird thing I suppose). Our phone gets shut off at bed time, if someone wants to get in touch with us they can leave a message (on the rare occasion my wife forgets and the phone rings at midnight, my wife will promptly call back when she gets up - 4:00am!
I must say that rarely do we receive calls from customers at all hours, generally it's from representatives, those are told to leave a detailed message and we'll get back with them (when the sun it up!)
Not Having The Money
I'll pay you on Friday when my check comes in. Chances are you have heard this one before, dealing with this one is simple (have your rules). "NO MONEY NO PRODUCT". You don't go into Walmart pick something off the shelf and tell the clerk you'll pay them on payday do you? Then why would you offer this to anyone. If they want it give them the item when they pay for it, don't offer credit - you will get burned. If they don't pay you for the item - send it back or try to resell it! Remember if you give the customer the item and don't get paid for it - you're still responsible for the bill to Avon.
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