Help - Need advice!

[stamping24x7]

My SU! demo, who is great, thinks I would make a good demonstrator and asked me if I wanted to sign up. I am seriously considering it, but am concerned about a few things. We live in the same small town and share a lot of the same friends. She already has another person signed up under her in the same town who I don't know well. Would three of us be overkill? If we both are demo's I feel we would be crossing a lot of the same lines. She already does the only two craft fairs in town (and doesn't care to do them together). There's only so much a small town has to offer. I am concerned it could get uncomfortable and out friends would be torn between us. She is an awesome salesperson and has a very loyal following - including me! Any advice? Should I just remain part of of her loyal group or venture out and become a demonstrator? Part of me wants to do this so badly!

[WaterPixie]

How much do you spend on stamping supplies in three months? The quarterly minimum is $300, so maybe she suggested it because you could give yourself the businiess. Plus, I'm sure she wouldn't expect any of your family or friends to order from her if you are signed up. That kind of goes without saying.

You don't have to make it a full/part time job. Lots of people sign up for the discount and are classified as "Hobby" Demos. Which basically means that you are not doing this as a business opportunity, but for the fun and the discount.

I suggest taking a look at how much you spend, and how much any of your friends or family would spend. If you'd be able to make the minimum I'd go for it. Just the Starter Kit was enough for me to sign up. I figured, who cares if it doesn't last - at least I got a good deal on the kit! :lol:

Remember, family doesn't have to be in the same city or state to order from you!!!

[Chris Fuhs]

We all need to remember: Demonstrators don't "own" customers. Customers decide on their own who to purchase from.

I agree with WaterPixie -- there's nothing to lose. The starter kit is a great value. It makes it easy to try out a demonstratorship and see where it goes.

Plus, you'd be surprised at how many people start stamping just because someone invites them to do so. Even a small town can support multiple demonstrators.

Also, consider your willingness to travel. Are there other small towns within a half hour that you might include in potential territory?

In the end, it is just loads of fun to be a demonstrator, and the benefits (besides the starter kit and the 20% off) are great. You'll get magazines, access to templates, etc. This is great fun if it is for 3 months or 10 years!

[lovemykids]

You may want to talk to your demo and see what ways she will support your business. She will benefit from supporting your business if she does share craft fairs and customers.

I sent out a letter to all of the customers that my first downline and I both knew and let them know that we both felt comfortable with whomever they chose to do business with. You and your upline should not be competing, you all should be a team and support each other!

If you think that is not going to be the case then I would definately make sure you have a few friends who can help you meet your goals. But I also strongly agree that it is worth a shot at starting your own business, if it is not going to be a financial hardship on your family.

You also may want to look at what type of services your demo provides. Does she have a lot of workshops and classes? You may find some customers for yourself, doing something she doesn't provide.

I find that I have a lot of customers that are beginners and then slowly learn techniques as I have different classes and look for the best bargains (like me! ). My downline has more customers who like to pay for convienence items, like premade packets, and more advanced techniques.

If you have a love of SU products and have fun using them you can be successful! I wish you lots of luck!

[stamping24x7]

Thanks for the advice! I'm going to do it - I'm so excited! Thanks guys!