I started selling in the mid 60's.
At that time Steve was in grade school and came home for lunch every day. I was a stay-at-home mom and was ready for something more than being a mom and a wife. A job would be the answer but I had two problems - I didn't drive and had to be home noon time.
A friend of mine sold Avon, introduced me to the product, I liked it and found out that a territory was available in my own neighborhood. Great, I didn't need a car and could be home for lunch.
The company supplied me with very helpful literature. I still remember many of the helpful and encouraging suggestions:
1. After you ring ten doorbells - the eleventh person will buy.Those were all very helpful but my favorite one was #4 - I'll tell you why...
2. When you are ready to deliver - call and find out "if it is a convenient time for delivery" ( in other words "do you have the cash")
3. Never make a delivery without getting paid.
4. When calling on a potential customer, have a product in your hand "to show"
After a while I had a number of steady customers, lots of stay-at-home moms who liked the product and were glad to have someone to liven up their day.
Photo: Betty Draper (January Jones) in Episode 13 of Mad Men
Even so, I was always looking for new customers.
On one occasion I rang the doorbell of a neighbor, introduced myself and told her that I was an Avon Lady.
"Oh", she said " I don't like to buy this way, I don't use makeup and am not interested" She made no bones about it, she wasn't neighborly and didn't want anything to do with me!
Well, that was the time for me to pull out #4 - At that time Avon was featuring a "Solid Gold Cadillac" that contained men's cologne.
SHE LOVED IT!! That was the start of a beautiful relationship with my neighbor and she turned out to be a great customer.
I recently saw an Avon brochure, they now sell everything but the kitchen sink! Two of my all time favorites are still available - Avon's Rich Moisture cream and Vita Moist cream, I use them every day.
Avon is still calling!