Comments on: The Etiquette of Direct Sales

By: Liz

Liz — Mon, 15 Oct 2018 20:30:17 +0000

In reply to EE. This seems like a really judgmental comment from someone who is generalizing on a topic and industry that she may not completely understand. What has your research been like into every single company out there? I know a few who are terrible and there are a few I don’t mind supporting friends who do them, but I know that judging like this never served me well.

By: Kyrie

Kyrie — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 06:48:25 +0000

I did not edit that before I pressed send – RECEIVED is totally spelled wrong. Case-by-case needs hyphens. Oh, man. I could go on, but I’ll just ask for your forgiveness and try not to post af1:45am in the future. ?

By: Kyrie

Kyrie — Thu, 03 Aug 2017 06:45:48 +0000

I really like the things suggested here for both parties, especially the reminder that these people are trying to earn extra income for their families and there is absolutely nothing wrong with that.
One point that I think is a case by case basis is that you should always reply. I have recieved inboxes from Plexus and R&F acquaintances that I NEVER talk to and I can tell they just got on messenger and pressed copy/paste/send a thousand times and added one line relevant to me to be less obvious. Replying to these people has led to nothing but a waste of my time. It is because they have literature (that you can look up yourself online) that says that “NO means NOT NOW. Keep lines open between this person.”
Engaging these people in conversation for the sake of being polite has been nothing detrimental to my end game which is to effectively communicate that I am not interested. If they are trained to take any response as a potential yes, then we have already abandoned the basic rules of etiquette at the door.

By: Lee

Lee — Thu, 24 Mar 2016 00:53:38 +0000

In reply to EE. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment, Eve. Points well taken! But I'm not sure it's appropriate to tell someone they should have chosen a different path (unless it's your really close friend or sister that you can tell stuff like that to!). I think we can still be kind and encouraging of friends' efforts to help out their families while not necessarily agreeing with their chosen route.

By: EE

EE — Wed, 23 Mar 2016 23:35:20 +0000

I think what this post fails to acknowledge is that there is a very sketchy side of these “businesses” and that, while generally legal, most are MUCH closer to pyramid schemes than actual business ventures. All the language you suggest about “I love that you are doing this” and so forth is really not appropriate for most of these businesses. I HATE that these businesses are sucking in my friends, encouraging them to sell overpriced junk to their networks, and sign new people up to do the same… and earning them (in the vast majority of cases) extremely little, or even just compensating them in the merchandise. I’d like a way to be able to tell them that, not just a way to politely decline their advances. My friends are very capable people, and even if they have kids at home, there are so many more productive uses of their time to earn a little money. Odd jobs like petsitting or walking, childcare (done while bringing along your own child), tutoring, listing other people’s belongings on ebay, etc. can be much more lucrative in much less time, all without extracting pity money from your friends and family.

By: Lee

Lee — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 20:36:42 +0000

In reply to Nicole Cardwell. This is great advice!! Thank you so much Nicole!!!

By: Nicole Cardwell

Nicole Cardwell — Thu, 10 Mar 2016 08:53:13 +0000

Lovely post Lee. I have written some simple musings from a representatives perspective (Lee’s RodanField friend).
DON’T: There is such a fine line btwn selling assertively and being pushy, and you don’t ever want to be pushy.
DO always try to filter advice coming down the pipeline from your uppers. Decide what selling style best matches you. The secret to a successful business is not necessarily to post often or to continue to ask the same friend for business if that is not your style.
SAY how your product/company has changed you for the better. It’s good and natural to be excited and want to share your successes with others. Who doesn’t call to tell their friend about a great new restaurant they’ve discovered? Selling is a process and not everyone will agree that they need what you have today, …and that’s ok.
GIVE your customers regular attention. Check in to thank them, help them or address any concerns.
*This is truly a wonderful way to work from home, but if you want to make a go of it working ‘PartTime’ is the key, not ‘Some of the Time’ ????

By: Lee

Lee — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 16:21:49 +0000

In reply to Leah. Thank you, Leah! That was number four in the second part of my post (although maybe it wasn't very clear!). I haven't admittedly selected the "Don't show me posts like this" option a few times. Appreciate the feedback!!

By: Leah

Leah — Wed, 09 Mar 2016 15:45:29 +0000

What a great and needed post on this topic. I would add that the consultant/friend limit their marketing on their personal Facebook page. I have hidden friends posts because of the constant “sell sell sell” and “help me get to the next level” posts.