Reflections on being an SU demonstrator

[dacpam]

A few months ago, I celebrated my 5 year anniversary of being an SU demo. I started to reflect about SU and my experience and just now became brave enough to share it with all of you.

I signed up initially like most others, as a way to add to my guilty hobby on the cheap or even free. It quickly turned into a business for me and I soon became guilt- free about getting all my supplies plus a whole lot more. Now, I am truly a hobby demo again, getting in my minimums and sharing with my fellow stampers. I still love it and can't let go.

Some observations about SU:

I get nothing but positive feedback from them. I can not think of one thing negative that has ever come back to me from SU on my demonstratorship. After my first year, they changed the payment stucture for us so that we made more money and they made less profit. My first year, you paid for your sell-a-bration sets at a reduced price. Now they are free. They added Great Rewards for us demo's and that allowed me to get extras for free that helped me with my stamp camps and demonstrations. They added free sets for SAB sales, you can earn free sets from the new hostess plans, etc. One year they had sets in the fall that just demo's could earn. They were only made for us and that made me feel so good to think that they would spend the time and $ to give us something so special. And who among us didn't like getting that beautiful free set last Dec. What a surprise!

I have never once had a problem with returns or replacing missing items with my orders. They stand behind their products.

Not only do they support me, they encourage me to do with my business what is right for me. They have made it easy for me to transition down to a hobby demo from a business demo. I always know that they will support my business decisions. How many people can say that about their jobs and bosses?

Su has allowed me to make incredible friendships through stamping that now go way beyond stamping. I have also met the nicest and most generous people through this opportunity. I would have never met these people without SU and my life would not be as enriched without these cherished friends.

Not only does SU keep their supply costs down for us, but they have lowered many prices over the years. Think, the cost of caty's, order forms, etc. plus we can download most forms from our computer, saving us the cost of ordering them. I can hardly buy a monthly magazine for the same cost as our whole, incredible caty. I spend a whole year or more pouring through the caty for ideas and inspiration where as I rarely look at my magazines much after the first week.

Finally, I have all the stinking supplies I could ever dream of GUILT FREE! Now all I need is a room to put them all in.

Anyway, I just wanted to let some of you know that I feel so lucky to have been a part of this company for 5+ years. They are not perfect but how many other companies can you think of where it is all positive feedback and they support you 100%? They are not perfect, but for me and my family life, they sure come close.

Ok enough rambling, hope everyone has a wonderful day and thanks for letting me tell you how I feel.

Pam

[craftdoc]

Great post! I agree with you 100% after my 6 1/2 years as a demonstrator. It only keeps getting better!

[lisapizza]

Wow. Thanks for sharing - that is awesome to hear! It definitely reassures me about my decision to sign up as a demo this month!

[rachelbenj]

Wow!! What a nice post. I agree SU is the best.

Thanks

[Henrysmom]

Same here!
I've been a demo for 4 years. I had a handle break on one customer's color caddy, other than that, I haven't had any problems or complaints. Great products, great company.

[stampintlw]

Everything you said was right on! I'm especially impressed with this aspect of Stampin' Up!

Quote:

Originally Posted by dacpam

Not only do they support me, they encourage me to do with my business what is right for me. They have made it easy for me to transition down to a hobby demo from a business demo. I always know that they will support my business decisions. How many people can say that about their jobs and bosses?

I couldn't believe hearing Jerry Day say at convention last year that SU! was happy the average number of workshops was down! They wanted demos to put more balance back in their lives!!! Incredible

This last year and a half as a demo has been nothing but fabulous for me! Thanks for posting!

[Jovi]

I have a stupid question ~~

Quote:

Kim Wilson
Independent Stampin' Up! Demonstrator, Supervisor

I've seen alot of the demos have titles ~ Supervisor
What do they mean and how do you get them...... does it depend on the # of years you been a demo or your sales ? :?

(I warned you that it was a stupid question) :lol:

Pam~~ Whoo hoo for being a SU demo for 5 years, that's great

[rreinhardt]

Not sure about the answer to your question, Jovita. But I'll bump this to the top so it may get answered.

[bzea]

Jovita -

It is based your sales & dowline.....

B-

[stampintlw]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jovi

I've seen alot of the demos have titles ~ Supervisor
What do they mean and how do you get them...... does it depend on the # of years you been a demo or your sales ? :?

Jovi- No stupid questions! You start out as an Associate and are promoted to Senior Associate when you've reached $1000 in sales (I think that's right). To get to supervisor, you must have $3,600 in sales/12 mos. and at least 3 in your downline. That's my goal for the year!! Hope that helps!

[Jovi]

Thanks everyone I alway's wondered that when I see the "titles"

[witty5]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jovi

I have a stupid question ~~

Quote:

I've seen alot of the demos have titles ~ Supervisor
What do they mean and how do you get them...... does it depend on the # of years you been a demo or your sales ? :?

(I warned you that it was a stupid question) :lol:

No stupid questions here!

You receive your first promotion - Senior Demonstrator after your first $1000 sales. After that your promotion changes depending on the number of recruits under you.

[witty5]

Opps....looks like I was about 2 minutes late on that response!

[stampintlw]

Quote:

Originally Posted by witty5

Opps....looks like I was about 2 minutes late on that response!

Jinx!! Do I get a Coke?? (Did you do that as a kid?)

Sorry for the hijack! :oops:

Back to the fabulousness of Stampin' Up!.......

[mackay121104]

I couldn't agree more! Great post!

I also have been a demo for 5 years and have gone from hobby to FT business back to hobby again, they have always been more than great!

The only "problem" I ever had with a product was with the original felt covered Craft pads....which when they wouldn't take them back, I found the solution here SCS and they are great now! I fixed them this past weekend!!!

[inkylady]

Ditto to everything you said. I've not been a demo for nearly as long as you, but I have been a customer for a very long time, and I love SU!

[lovemykids]

Thank you for sharing your story! I agree totally. I would like to print out your testimonial and share it with potential recruits. Would you mind?

[dacpam]

Of course you can copy this and show it to potential recruits. I truly believe that they have nothing to lose. Everything I said is the truth and from the heart. You can also let them know that when I signed up, it cost me over $350 with the tax and S+H. They have made it much more affordable and easy for someone to join. (Especially with the reduced price this month. ) I have never regretted a minute of it and even though I don't do that much with it anymore, I still love it! I have a camp every 3 months or so and it is truly a "Ladies night out" My friends love it and want me to have one every month but remember, it is my decision and that is all I really want to do at this time. I love knowing that any day that I want to spike up the business, all I have to do is say yes. SU is a great asset in my life and I hope that it will be a part of it for a long time. Good luck!

[ch]

Great post!!!! I totally agree with all you said! I started with Su a little over a year ago--as a hobby demo, but I am having so much fun--I've recruited and promoted and am actually starting to make money!!! and I love how I can work as much or little as I like. I've met incredible people and consider it a great decision!!! ch

[MommaGena]

Thanks so much for posting this topic! I have been hoping I would find someone to honestly tell it like it is for them (not that anyone wouldn't, I think you all know what I mean) and not be trying to recruit me. My demo is really great. She has mentioned it a few times in passing that I should really think about becoming a demo, but I am still on the fence. One of these days, I guess I will just have to JUMP! LOL Anyways, thanks for the comments, they are appreciated!

What is the special this month for signing up anyway if I may ask???

[Stamp_at_will]

BIG DITTO!

and great job SU for being like an extended family for alot of us.
Thank you for the post also it was refreshing to read.

Belva

[stampintlw]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mommagena

What is the special this month for signing up anyway if I may ask???

This month, you receive $30 off your starter kit when you sign! What a fabulous incentive!!!

[sunneedazee]

Stampin Up is a great company! Great products great prices! Did anyone mention how great the demo monthly magazine is that we get FREE. It is so full of ideas, techniques, and beautiful samples. Plus it is FREE! Love it!
I have seen other companies monthly newsletter/books and NONE is as wonderful as ours.

[kahoogstad]

Thanks for the inspiration Pam. That was a great post. SU! is lucky to have you!!!!!!!!!