Some campaigns require more Avon catalogs than others, especially when you’re expecting a giant fundraiser order to come in at any point in a month’s time. A rep has to be prepared with all her sales tools, even if it might cost a little extra!
I just completed a fundraiser for my high school Alma mater, and because of the delays in completing the fundraiser, I had at least 200 extra catalogs sitting in boxes feeling unloved and unwanted. Though many of the products remain the same in the catalogs, the prices and promotions change every two weeks. I couldn’t just keep handing out old ones, so what was I supposed to do with the extras?
I like to call it “Recycle Marketing.” Throwing away the old catalogs would be a sin, not only because I paid for them but also because I could use them as a new business opportunity. Sure, I might not be able to actively sell my products as well using the expired catalogs. What I can do, however, is use a passive method of Recycle Marketing.
Please recycle your catalogs!
How to Recycle Your Avon Catalogs
1. Type up a note. You need to be upfront with your customers that they are receiving an expired catalog. Customers don’t like surprises, unless it benefits them in some way, so if you are handing out copies that say that Naturals shower gels are $1.69 each and they call you up to order and the product is actually going for 2 for $9.99, you might lose a sale because you were being sneaky. Also, if you are involved in Sales Leadership like I am, this is a great opportunity to let people know to contact you so you can get credit for a new recruit. If you are attending any events in the near future, be sure to mention it so that customers can get a chance to meet you in person. Here is what my note said this past weekend:
Happy December!
Enclosed is a previous Avon catalog featuring some of the coolest holiday gift sets and decorations! Check out my online store for current catalog pricing: www.youravon.com/cynthiadagenais
I will be at the River Dell High School PTO Vendor Sale this Saturday, December 3, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. with many of the products featured in the catalog on display. Stop by and say hello!
See something you like but can’t make it to the event? Contact me to order! Also give me a call if you’re interested in earning free products from me or would like to become an Avon Representative. Have a great day!
Cynthia Dagenais
Avon Representative
www.youravon.com/cynthiadagenais
2. Package your literature. Staple the notes onto the Avon, mark, and Tiny Tillia catalogs and put them in the “What’s New” bags, which are basically clear plastic Avon bags that can be hung on a doorknob. If you have samples to spare, include them as well. Fragrances and hair products don’t sell well without a trial! Gather all your bags into a comfortable tote bag to carry around the neighborhood. Trust me, these plastic bags can be slippery!
3. Avon calling! Walk door-to-door with a smile on your face! If there are homeowners working outside, say hello and introduce yourself. Otherwise, simply walk up to each door and gently place the bags on the doorknob. It’s illegal to tamper with the U.S. mail, so DON’T leave them in their mailbox. If you’re lucky like me, I ended up following the mail carrier on one route and the garbage men on another. One garbage man recognized the mark tote I was carrying and asked to take a catalog for his girlfriend.
Last Thursday and Friday (with a little help from my mom on the latter day) I placed more than 200 C-22 and C-23 catalogs at houses around where I attended elementary school to promote the vendor fair. I still have at least 100 C-24 and C-25 catalogs to go, so the next nice day we have I’ll be walking around a different neighborhood in my town. At some point, I hope to use Recycle Marketing on every house in my town. Now, to wait and see if I get new customers from this passive form of marketing and promotion!
Check out my online store!
Redheaded Avon Rep 