Every time I hear or see the word Avon, that familiar tag line, "Ding dong, Avon Calling," rings in my ears. Recently named by the Wall Street Journal as the number one Network Marketing Company, it's time to take a simple look at what this 125-year-old company has to offer.
Quick Facts:
Founded in 1886
Headquarters located in New York, NY
NYSE Listed
Over 6.5 Million Distributors
Operating in 100 + Markets Globally
10.9 Billion in Revenue 2010
The Products
The smell of sweet success! The fragrance is how it all began. Today the company has an immense product line, some of which has been known in households across America and around the world for many years; such as Skin So Soft and Clearskin. The ever expanding product includes makeup, fragrance, skincare, bath & body, hair care, jewelry, men and so much more. If you have not looked at Avon in recent years it's certainly not the product line you remember. When you see a Deluxe Bingo Set or Cookie Cutters available in your beauty brochure one wonders why the line grew to its current diversity.
Investment and Compensation Plan
You will easily spend more in the fast food line than the miniscule $10 investment it takes to get started. This includes your kit, application and appointment. Being such a successful company it is unknown why the compensation plan is not listed on the corporate website but with a little research I was able to find a few concrete facts. Your commissions from product sales will range from 20% to 50% pending your campaign sales. This could lead to some great part-time income. Avon's Fast Track Bonus relies upon recruiting new Reps who place an order of $50 or more, earning a $25 bonus for each. For upper level leadership you can earn up to a 12% bonus on three generations and car bonus allowance.
Training and Marketing
The corporate website offers training on the products as well compensation plan. Varying districts hold conduct monthly sales and demonstration meetings as well as some mailing lists that can keep you informed. Marketing methods that are taught are very traditional, starting with family and friends, mass brochure distribution, door to door, in local businesses and of course face to face. With the digital age these methods does seem to be quite outdated.
The business and products (limited line for the gents) is still very "woman" orientated. In no way I am saying that me can't be successful in Avon, just a whole the company is very directed at helping women as a whole.
Bottom Line
Avon can be a great place to dig in your heals but with all company there are advantages (solidity of the company) and disadvantages (door to door deliveries) that come with the Avon opportunity. Be sure to do your own research, write down the pros and cons to see if the opportunity is right for you.
