By: Jenn DeAngelis

A common saying in direct sales are that you are “in business for yourself, not by yourself.”  Many have found that direct sales are a path to economic freedom, entrepreneurship and identity. Representatives can be their own boss and decide their own hours but benefit from the umbrella of a larger, experienced company that has already done the marketing, business, legal and technology legwork.
The keys to succeeding in direct sales are doing your homework and finding a product that you love, realizing that direct sales requires the same hard work, commitment and dedication of any new job and finding a team leader who you respond to and whose company you enjoy.
If you are considering a career in direct sales and are excited about beauty products, AVON is a company with a 125 year history of empowering its representatives and supporting women of all ages and cultures.
AVON’s sales exceed eight billion, and the company often appears on Fortune’s list of leading companies. AVON’s products include makeup, skincare for men and women, clothing for the entire family, jewelry, shoes, bags and lifestyle items such as containers, hairdryers, brushes and seasonal items. Representatives also sell the company’s new mark. products, which is a trendier line tailored to the young or young at heart.
Advantages to joining AVON include a low start-up cost, extra or a full-time income, a dedicated and supportive team, great discounts, flexible hours, sales incentives and quality products at reasonable prices. You can also find identity and growth opportunities.
Many entrepreneurs find they have to shell out thousands of dollars in legal or franchise fees before they can sell their first product. With AVON, you can start for as little as $10 which includes a starter kit and initial training. While many direct sales companies are dependent on house parties, AVON is sold mainly online or by catalogue. So, there is no worry about cleaning the house, finding a host or organizing attendees.
Of course the big question is how much money will you make? Well, like most things, that depends on your effort. First, realize that AVON is a business and therefore requires the same seriousness, drive and dedication as any job. If you have the commitment, thanks to the quality products and supportive team, you will succeed.
Many women have used AVON to supplement the family income. Others have used AVON for “fun money” or for vacations or extras. Some, who are in leadership roles in addition to being sales representatives, make a full time income of more than $150,000. Avon recognizes its representatives with sales incentives like free travel, discounts and bonuses.
AVON leadership wants you to thrive and provides the training and marketing and business technology to grow your business. Just as you would carefully interview for any job, you want to make sure that your team leader is someone you respond to and someone whose company you enjoy. There are a number of team leaders in the Chester County area, and I am confident you will find someone right for you.
Here’s one more secret to your AVON success. Lipstick is recession proof.  In fact, when money is short, cosmetic sales tend to rise. Economists call this phenomenon the “Lipstick Index.” While the economy roller coaster continues, one constant is that women still want to look and feel beautiful. With AVON lipstick prices starting as low as $4.99, AVON sales representatives enjoy a competitive advantage.
AVON’s reasonable pricing is consistent through all of their products. The company has a 100 percent money back guarantee and does not require payment until the product has been received. Plus, when you are an AVON associate, you automatically enjoy discounts on products ranging from 20 to 50 percent.
I’ve been with the company for the past two years. I have found new friends, increased satisfaction, and yes, have earned extra income with a company I love. I am proud that I have built a team of over 60 associates. Contact me and see how AVON can brighten your future. I hope to have you as part of our team.

Jennifer DeAngelis is an AVON Advanced Unit Leader with over 60 representatives on her team. She has been with the company since January 2008. She has ten years of direct sales experience and 20 years of retail sales and management.

To start your AVON career, or for more information on other Direct Sales companies, contact Jenn at 610-357-6033 or
www.youravon.com/jenniferdeangelis or join online at  www.start.avon.com and enter Reference Code Jennifer DeAngelis.

Contributing Author: Eryn Travis of Empower Communications