Direct Sales Trade Offer: MK and Tupperware Catalogs, Spring Book Exchange?

[pampchefrhondab]

I got an email from another direct sales person - she does MK and Tupperware (didn't even know she did Tupperware maybe she just started).

Anyway, she has asked me for catalogs a couple of times, has me on her mailing list, etc. I have never bought from her. In the beginning I told her I already had a MK rep., which I did, but the truth is I really don't buy much. I like Elizabeth Arden makeup and usually get all the blush, eye shadow, etc. free when they have their bonus months.

Anyway, back to the email. She said she was wondering if I wanted to do some kind of trade, or work something out with each of our businesses. She knows a few consultants who trade each other for product. She also wants a new Spring book.

I'm not sure I really want to do this. I use most of my "extra" products on my hosts, booths, etc. If she wanted something I don't have extra of I only get a 20% discount. I really dont' want any MK and can't think of anything I need from Tupperware either.

What should I say to her w/o hurting her feelings? You guys always have the best advice.

Thanks in advance!

 

[negativitysucks]

Maybe her sales aren't what she would like them to be and she's just trying to boost the business a little.
She's probably a perfect candidate for recruiting. MK and TW seem harder to sell than PC. I've done Avon, Tupperware, and Tastefully Simple and I find Pampered Chef to be a better direct sales model, with better support, and far superior products. Not to mention, an amazing host program unrivaled anywhere.

 

[pampered1224]

Very easy. You tell her thank you for the offer but right now is not good. Tell her that you are watching your business and personal pennies. And it would not be a lie. You are watching your personal pennies, you do not want them going some place you don't want them to go. (You don' ttell her that of course!) That is all you should have to have to say.

 

[pampchefrhondab]

Great idea John- thanks! I knew someone here could help me!

According to her she is doing great w/MK - but you just never really know.

Maybe she has extra product left and wants a way to get rid of it. I've heard MK have a lot of stock when the season changes.

 

[Symara]

You could do as John says and also offer to trade information. She can put your business card or flyer in her bags when she delivers her products and you can do the same when you go to shows and such.

It was listed in the 100 things to do to promote your business or whatever that was on here.

 

[tlag1986]

The idea of trading information seems easier, and less expensive. I think most people would be willing to do something like this.Maybe you can do a multi-vendor spring sale with her and some of her friends. Try around Easter before mothers day.

 

[PampChefJoy]

Stick to your guns and don't cave. I traded shows when I first started out, and they rarely ever turn out in your favor.... I traded with Stampin' Up and MK... the MK thing is so uneven because they really only want a couple people at the party and you wind up spending alot to get a little for free, so you wind up with someone who doesn't see the value in a large gathering. Stampin' Up was okay because I wanted to have a party anyway...Anyhoo... I would tell her it's normally your policy to not trade shows but you would love to have her as a host since she seems to love the product catalogs so much.Be wary of those who only wish to tap into your hard-earned list of contacts! I know it seems harsh, but like I said, it always seems so one-sided to me. I've never really been able to break into another group of contacts well by trading shows, and I wind up subjecting my friends to direct selling marketing tactics that I wouldn't necessarily be proud of (BTDT but don't feel like elaborating on it).