Is Being an Avon Rep a Good Side Hustle?
summary
- Avon Reps earn up to 30% commission; performance-based income.
- Success hinges on strong sales skills and a large social network.
- Avon is not a pyramid scheme; its a legitimate MLM model.
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Is Becoming an Avon Representative Worth It in the uk?
If you grew up in the UK during the mid-to-late 20th century, you might remember a time when the Avon catalogue was as much a mainstay in a household as the phone book and Yellow Pages. It represented not just a world of beauty and self-care products but also a traditional side hustle that many embraced. Avon even has their own slogan – “Ding Dong, Avon's Calling”, which became a catchphrase in the 60s.
Today, while the iconic Avon brochures still play a role, the digital revolution has transformed the way Avon Representatives connect with their customers. This article delves into the heart of what it means to be an Avon Rep in the UK today. We'll explore not only the potential financial rewards but also what it takes to succeed in this role. Join us as we unravel the realities behind the glossy brochures and enticing commission rates, offering you a clear and honest perspective to decide if being an Avon Rep is a good side hustle for you.
What Is an Avon Representative?
Avon has been a pioneer in direct selling, having been around for more than a century. The current business model involves cultivating clients who become loyal to the brand, ensuring that they continue purchasing for a long time. This is where the Avon representative comes in. You will be the bridge between the company and its customers, marketing and selling the items from the brochure. In return, you earn a commission for every sale you make.
Is Avon a pyramid scheme?
Avon is not a pyramid scheme. It operates on a Multi-Level Marketing (MLM) model, which is distinct from a pyramid scheme. MLM is a legitimate business strategy used by many companies worldwide. In MLM, representatives earn money through direct sales of products to consumers. Additionally, they can earn commissions from sales made by people they recruit into the business, known as their downline.
The key difference between MLM and a pyramid scheme lies in the primary source of income. In a pyramid scheme, the main profit comes from recruiting new members rather than selling actual products. These schemes often collapse because they rely on an unsustainable model of continuous recruitment.
In contrast, Avon focuses on the sale of tangible products, like cosmetics and skincare items, rather than primarily on recruitment. Representatives make a profit from what they sell, and while they can benefit from building a team, their income is not solely dependent on recruitment. This focus on product sales, transparency in earnings, and the absence of a requirement to recruit new members to earn, are what make Avon a legitimate MLM and not a pyramid scheme.
Your Role as an Avon Representative
As an Avon representative, your roles include selling products and providing a personalised shopping experience, so customers keep coming back for more. Avon will send physical and digital brochures where you can showcase the products, highlighting the benefits to entice people into buying them. You’ll also be the one taking orders and sending them to Avon.
In the past, Avon representatives also did the delivery. Avon would simply send the orders to your address, and you’d bring the items to your customers yourself. However, the rise of e-commerce meant that some of your clients could be far from your location. Thankfully, Avon UK no longer requires representatives to make deliveries themselves. Instead, the company handles the fulfilment.
Benefits You’ll Enjoy
Being an Avon representative remains appealing to many because of several benefits. Here are some reasons why this side hustle attracts many individuals.
A Competitive Commission Rate
Depending on your level, you could earn up to 30% in commission from the sales you make. How does it work? As a representative, you will sell the items at full price. Then you “purchase” from Avon with a discount, which is your commission.
Flexible Hours
You can showcase the brochure and sell products whenever it is convenient for you. If you want to sell more, you’re free to work more hours. This flexibility allows you to earn as much or as little as you can.
Networking and Relationship Building
Being an Avon representative allows you to meet and build relationships with people. You can start to build a network that lets you find more people who might be interested in buying Avon products. Eventually, you can become the “Avon Lady” in your community, making you the go-to person for those who are looking for Avon products.
Discounts and Free Items
As a representative, you can earn additional discounts and free items. These perks can help you buy items for testing and showcasing to potential customers.
Dedicated Online Marketing and Social Media Tools
We’ve mentioned that you’ll also get a digital brochure instead of just a physical one, which includes more than just the digital tools you can access as an Avon representative. The company also offers marketing and social media solutions to help you market more effectively online. That way, you can use the power of the internet to reach a wider audience and increase your earning potential.
Avon's New UK Stores
Avon is set to open its first physical stores in the UK, a significant shift from its traditional direct-selling approach. This move offers a new dimension for side hustlers in the UK. Avon representatives, who previously relied on door-to-door sales and online platforms, will now have the opportunity to run these stores as franchises. Positioned in local communities rather than high streets, these stores are designed to enhance customer interaction and product accessibility. This development not only broadens the retail presence of Avon in the UK but also presents a unique opportunity for representatives to expand their businesses.
The stores will feature a selection of Avon's products, with the full range still available through its representatives.
This initiative reflects Avon's adaptation to the evolving retail landscape and consumer preferences, presenting an exciting prospect for those looking at this side hustle.
The Sign-Up Process
One great thing about becoming an Avon representative is that it’s relatively easy. There are three steps you need to follow.
Step 1: Reach Out to Avon
Send your contact details via the Avon UK website. You can also talk to a current Avon representative, so they can assist you.
Step 2: Sign Up and Open an Account
Once Avon gets back to you, you will need to create an account as a representative.
Step 3: Start Selling
Now that you have a verified account, Avon will send your chosen Welcome Kit. Now, you can start selling and earning.
Initial Costs You Might Need To Consider
Signing up as an Avon representative is free, but you will need to buy a Welcome Kit to get started with selling. This expense is usually the only one you’ll have to consider as a new Avon representative. There are two types in the UK.
WELCOME KIT: £10
This package includes the basic set you’ll need to start selling Avon products. You’ll find brochures, gift guides, and order forms as well as the Ultra Matte Lipstick in Perfectly Nude — one of the company’s best-selling products.
WELCOME POWER KIT: £39
The second option includes more Avon bestsellers, including fragrances, skin care products, and cosmetics. It’s an ideal option for representatives who want more diverse products to showcase.
Pros and Cons of Being an Avon Representative
Any type of business venture will have its advantages and disadvantages. Here are the pros and cons you may want to keep in mind before you commit to being an Avon representative.
Pros
- Avon UK is a trusted company that many people are already familiar with, making it easier to sell products.
- You can access training programs and support from Avon.
- The competitive commission rate is great for a side hustle.
Cons
- Your sales may fluctuate from time to time.
- Marketing is necessary to gain more customers.
FAQs
final thoughts
As an Avon representative, you’re essentially an independent salesperson selling products from another company. This practice requires you to be a little savvy in marketing, selling, and networking, so those who are uncomfortable with these skills may be better off trying other side hustles.
People with a flair for selling will find that being an Avon representative is worth it. Between the competitive commission and customer trust, you can easily turn up a great revenue monthly. Plus, you can establish a network that will remain useful for other personal purposes.
BEFORE YOU GO...
Deciding if becoming an Avon Rep is right for you is a significant first step in exploring the world of direct selling and MLM opportunities. But the journey doesn’t end here. Are you curious about other similar opportunities and how they measure up? Be sure to read our next article titled "Is Body Shop at Home a Pyramid Scheme or MLM?" This piece offers an insightful look into another popular MLM opportunity in the UK, helping you to further understand the landscape and make informed choices about your side hustle journey. Stay informed and explore your options with us.
sidehustles.co.uk one-minute podcast
🎧 Listen Now: Sidehustles.co.uk One-Minute Podcast
Is Being an Avon Reg a Good Side Hustle?
Welcome to the Sidehustles.co.uk One Minute Podcast. In the next 60 seconds, we're sharing a real-world insight from our network of seasoned side hustlers. This quick tip is designed to offer you practical advice that you can apply immediately in your side hustle journey.
Today, we're looking at whether being an Avon Rep is worth it. When considering a side hustle like becoming an Avon Representative, one vital tip stands out: the significance of having a large social network and an outgoing personality. In the realm of direct selling, your social reach can be a game-changer. A broad network of contacts means a wider pool of potential customers. Combine this with an outgoing, engaging personality, and you have the recipe for success. Being able to confidently communicate, share product benefits, and connect with people on a personal level turns ordinary interactions into business opportunities. Whether it's through face-to-face meetings, social media engagement, or community events, your ability to network effectively and your willingness to reach out to others can dramatically boost your chances of thriving in this dynamic and people-oriented business.
That's your one-minute real-world insight. Stay tuned for more!
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