I'm not sure whether this is an overreaction or not, so tell me what you think.
A friend of mine (TeniBear) has just become an Avon Lady I thought that was pretty cool, so I went onto their website for more info. There wasn't any information available, instead there was a form to fill out requesting more information. So I fill it out, it's just a stock standard form; Name, address, email, phone number, how did you hear about us etc. I really don't like giving my mobile number and address, but I figured they'd either email me, or mail me an info pack or something. I did this at about 12am.
So yesterday morning (around 9) I'm in the shower and our buzzer goes (we have security gates). DH gets it, I hear him say sorry, DW is busy, blah blah. When I get out, I ask who it was. Apparently it was Vanessa, the Avon lady, here to talk to me about being a Rep. Okaaaaay. Both DH and I thought that was really odd and quite rude. Am I being weird about this, or does anyone else think it's kind of rude to just rock on up unannounced at my home less than 10 hours after I put in a request? Tbh I'd prefer an email with some info about becoming a rep, rather than a full on meeting with someone. I mean, it's just something I have no idea about, and want to know a bit more on, I wasn't exactly dead-set on committing. Even if face-to-face is the done thing, I found it odd that she didn't call first to make a time? I found it a little invasive.
So, she told DH she left some stuff in the letterbox. Good! So DH goes to get it, and it's a stack of Avon catalogues. No other info, except for a slip with her name and number asking me to call back ASAP. Okay, so maybe she was going to tell me all the stuff I wanted to know. But the stack of catalogues...I dunno, it felt kind of pushy, like I'm supposed to be giving these out to family and friends already. I just wanted to know how it all works!
Then, I get a phonecall. I'm feeding DD so I don't answer, but I can see it's her number. I had to get ready for a few appointments, life got in the way, I forgot to call her back.
So now this morning, at about 8am. A bloody phonecall. From her. Didn't answer as it woke DD. Then at 8.30 (feeding). Then a text asking me to call her back. I feel so pressured by her! I just wanted a very basic outline, just a tiny bit of info. Something that you would read on most websites. I am busy, I have a new baby, I and my home is usually a mess and I don't want to be welcoming uninvited guests into it. Or answering the phone so early in the morning.
I am about to call her back and let her know that I was only after a small amount of info, but that I've actually reconsidered and am not interested anymore.
Overreaction, or a little weird? Or is this the done thing? Does she get some sort of incentive by recruiting me, is that why she has been so pushy? I'm kind of confused
Wow, she was quick! Always the way - when you want something quickly it'll take forever, when you don't they're right there on your doorstep.
But no, I don't think you're overreacting. I'd have expected the same as you - just a bit of info to see if you're interested in taking it further. I'm guessing she's coming at it from a very sales-oriented place though - you're more likely to go ahead if she's right there, it's harder to say no or forget about it. Doesn't make it right though.
I'd be seriously annoyed at those phone calls!! 8am is too early to call IMO. At work I never call customers before 9, unless they've asked me to call earlier. I'd think if you didn't answer the first call she should have left it longer than half an hour to try again.
Anyway, her strategy hasn't worked, it's turned you away! Whereas if you'd gotten good info and had time to think about it you may still be interested. I'd probably send her a text saying something like "Sorry, I was only after some info to see if I was interested. I've re-thought my position and am no longer interested in becoming a consultant. Thanks for your time."
i thought at first you were going to say that teni was stalking you
i think turning up on your doorstep 10 hours after you make an initial enquiry, unannounced was ott & would have definitely put me off as well. i think calls before 9 are a little much as well. i'm glad you're going to tell her that it's put you off - maybe an email to avon themselves as well to say that it's a bit much to respond to initial enquiries with such vigour!
Surely an email or phone call would have been more appopriate than shoving catalogues at you!!
I would call and say only wanted info no longer interested as don't like the hard sell!
Having worked in customer services and sales for a number of years, *anything* before 9.30am is generally considered inappropriate except by a specific request. No calls, and definitely not turning up unannounced (which would've resulted in me giving a piece of my mind, to be honest).
I would be sending the feedback through that a) not interested if this is the conduct expected and b) not impressed at being on the receiving end of said conduct.
I sent a similar copy of kaytee's suggestion, haven't hears back. I am going to email Avon though, and let them know that they lost a potential rep due to the pushiness, and that I hope that isn't standard practice, because tbh I was really put off!
Last edited by PumpkinZulu; October 7th, 2011 at 09:39 AM.
Wow. That was a great example of how not to recruit someone. I suppose it's good you found out this way rather than when you're already in.
I dont know how Avon works but with many MLM companies, the upline is rewarded for downline sales, so the more reps under someone, the more those reps sell, the more the upline earn. I dont know if they have sales or monthly buying quotas. Many do. I was involved in a MLM company years ago and it didnt really suit my style.
"Good morning Lily! It's Vanessa District Sales Manager for Avon. Please contact me so I can arrange a meeting with you. Thank you"
"Hi Vanessa. Sorry I have missed your calls, I have a young baby that takes up much of my time. My friend told me about Avon and I was just after a little bit more info. I have decided I am no longer interested. Thank you very much for your time. Regards, Lily."
"Is it you or your friend interested in working from home with very flexible hours and high income potential? Regards Vanessa from Avon"
*phonecall*
"I was just after a little bit more information, but I have decided that I am not interested. My friend already works for Avon. Thank you very much for your time. Regards, Lily."
*phonecall*
*phonecall*
"I'm in the area now! if you want I can come and show you what we do! I'm happy to help you both! Regards Vanessa"
"Vanessa, I am no longer interested. I was under the impression that Avon could send me out an information pack or something similar. However, I have reconsidered. Again, thank you for your time."
*phonecall*
"We have the information online at avon website and for further information she would can meet a district sales manager or a leadership Representative! regards Vanessa from Avon"
Last edited by Traveller; October 7th, 2011 at 04:42 PM.
: removed link
Wow! Now that's way ott, does she not accept "not interested"? She seems to not really be reading what you're saying - she still wants to "help you both" even though you've said teni already works for Avon.
I'd probably ignore her now, and send the email to Avon. Good luck!
this thread could be re-titled "how not to recruit your next down-line minion" ...
no overreaction, I'd ask her not to call or text you anymore ... period ...
you've been polite and clear, and she now, should leave you the frig alone ...
besides, wouldn't it be loads more fun to be recruited by Teni?? she would have to woo you and ply you with promises of pudding and free catalogues ... and you could help each other
Harassed by the Avon Lady!
I thought that was pretty cool, so I went onto their website for more info. There wasn't any information available, instead there was a form to fill out requesting more information. So I fill it out, it's just a stock standard form; Name, address, email, phone number, how did you hear about us etc. I really don't like giving my mobile number and address, but I figured they'd either email me, or mail me an info pack or something. I did this at about 12am. 
Reply With Quote
What the ****. Things just got psycho. Will compile all the texts in a minute. She's called me 5 times in-between texts. Wow.
Bookmarks