As Christmas 2020 inches closer and closer, moms (and dads) are feeling the pressure to keep the lights on and keep Christmas as magical as ever, all at the same time. Whether they go by "mom-preneurs", "boss moms", "work-at-home-moms" or any of the other kitschy nicknames, let's take a stepback from some of the inherent skepticism and hear them out, maybe even purchase a gift or two and help them buy a stocking stuffer or pay a bill. This is my open letter to skeptics, critics, and trolls that don't believe in the legitimacy of social or direct-selling...it's not all bad.
I can speak from experience and say that for every supportive friend and follower, there are 10 trolls, critics, and people who won't buy from these women simply because they believe the antiquated, outdated lie that all of these companies are scams, and that the reps are only after your money in exchange for a crap product. This isn't your grandmother's door-to-door cosmetics company anymore.
The social sales and direct-to-consumer industry has exploded (particularly in the wellness industry) since COVID- 19 pandemic forced layoffs, furloughs, modified hours and social isolation for employed households. And while you should always do your research and try to find a rep that is responsible and honest to purchase from, you don't have to be afraid to support MLM mommas...they aren't the Boogie Man. This selling format not only provides high-quality products and services, many have fair and lucrative comp plans that are actually allowing their distributors to create a full-time income from home. From activewear, to makeup, to weight management and everything in between, here are a few tips for purchasing from "That Girl" that will support her and feel comfortable to you.
This letter is a Do's and Don'ts Guide for all the other MLM and Social Sellin' Moms out there that I know are working until all hours of the night putting in orders, sharing deals and discounts, and basically working their a**es off to make a good commission for Christmas.
FOR CUSTOMERS
DO
BE HONEST. Every direct sales rep undergoes training for how to "reach out" and share their product with friends and family. Don't get annoyed when they announce it and send you a message...their sales come from their efforts. Instead, send a short but kind response that clarifies your willingness to participate. "No thanks, not at this time, but good luck!" is fine. If you're curious, but definitely not sold, ask for more info and tell them the aspects of their pitch you like, and what you don't. Chances are, you know this person, so remember that when you're answering them.
DON'T
RANT & RAVE. Please, seriously, do not go on a long-a** rant about how irritating you find their message, how stupid they are for doing this, or anything rude or unhelpful. Reference the response above if it's not for you. They took a leap of faith, overcame their nerves, and sent you a message...don't stomp on their feelings.
DO
ASK QUESTIONS. Find out their purchase minimums, shipping costs, discount programs, and membership requirements before sending your order or contact info. They should know it pretty well or be able to get the info to you quickly. If they can't you can weed out people who may not be reliable in the future.
*Tip* If you want to try a product or service but don't want to "sign up", ask them if they have an option to order single or one-off items and pay via an app like Venmo without creating an account. **NOTE** By doing this, the rep probably won't make commission on your order since it's not "official." That means that they will plan to reach out to you soon to follow up and suggest more products. Just be ready for it.
GHOST. Now, this is more of just a basic courtesy than a "rule," but that's a d**k move. These women understand life gets crazy, people forget, etc., but when you left a person on read after they took the time to send you the info and got all excited, it's just not nice. Again, they're trying to support their family. By ignoring them, you're leaving them in an awkward position to either follow up, or let you fall through the cracks. And it is AWKWARD when you don't answer, and then see them in person. Don't, plz.
DO
READ ANY AGREEMENTS & CONTRACTS CAREFULLY. While it is their responsibility to let you know, you also need to know what the cancellation/returns/refund policy is before you purchase. A responsible rep will double check and make sure you understand all of this before hitting "submit", but ultimately it's you that has to be aware of the details if you're not happy with your product.
DON'T
COME AFTER THEM. If you signed "Yes", your rep gave you all the info, and then you ended up unhappy...do not text, DM, tag, or call your rep (again, probably a friend) and be angry with them because you can't return or receive a refund for your items. They cannot change corporate policies, even though they will most likely offer to call and help you in any way they can.
Now, let's move on to the do's and don'ts for these WAHM's...buckle up!
If you're a direct sales mom boss or work-from-wifi babe, you probably appreciate the tips above for potential customers. To be objective, allow me to share some Definite Do's and MAJOR Don'ts for YOU.
DO
- Talk to your warm market (friends and fam) about your products or services.
- Build your network by creating new connections and gently introducing your product with a short and sweet pitch.
- Post fun, relatable content that features the product at least 3 x per week.
- Plan and host events and parties when possible.
- Follow up with *interested* (key-word) potential customers or partners.
- Notify customers of deals, giveaways, sales, discounts, etc.
- Allow new customers to start small.
- Offer tips and advice.
DON'T (LIKE, EVER!)
- Word-vomit, aka copy-paste a generic, non-personal message that gives WAAAAYYYY too much information in the first 10 seconds. You will be ghosted.
- Repeat message people who either ignored you or decline your offer. That is so cringey. No matter how bad you want to...if they don't answer, leave them be until they see a post or a product that interests them and they re-connect.
- Be shady. Don't exclude details of the order or requirements that you think will "lose the sale." Send them all the info they need to make their decision upfront, and respect that decision with grace.
- Add them to groups, tag them in posts, or send them information they did not request. Again...CRINGEY. Ask permission first, and if they say no, move on.
- Get offended by "No." Don't take it personally if someone doesn't buy from you right away. Be professional and if you call it a business, run it like a boss.
I hope these tips help distributors run their business efficiently and create income for their families (you deserve it!), as well as give friends, family, and potential customers some helpful ways to purchase that are comfortable and easy for them. As a former full-time network sales rep, I have a soft-spot for the driven, creative, and amazing women who make this a part of their lives...and I want to see them succeed.
Sincerely, Ash <3
Montgomery MLM Mommas to Support
Rhonda Fulcher - Scentsy Warmers, Candles, and Home Goods
Shelby Lear - Red Aspen Cosmetics
Jacklyn Janis Usborne Books for Infancy - Young Adult
