The summer before my final year of college, I landed a sales job. There was an ad in the local paper looking for college men seeking summer employment. The ad provided an outline of a group interview at an office in Ferndale, Michigan. I called the contact number, and after answering a few questions, I was invited to attend.
Once I reported, I learned that the job was selling waterless cookware. Our primary target was single girls. There was a manager that explained the job and a current salesman who spoke about his success. He was driving a fancy new convertible and explained that he earned enough money during the past few months to pay cash for the car.
They walked us through the product and ended with an explanation of the free perks offered to clients who purchased the cookware. The girls were given a choice between a set of knives and a place setting of China. I recall very little except the explanation of the China. They wanted us to impress potential clients regarding its durability. The manager took one of the cups, turned it rim side down on the tile floor and stood on it. He made a point of saying, “Make sure you place the cup on a hard surface.” I think that had something to do with the application of physics, but I never tried it.
We were instructed to go to area malls and look for young women going to bridal shops. We were to wear sports coats and ties and offer a free gift if we could present our product in their home. They could invite others to attend.
The manager gave each of us a lead to get us going. I received an “interested” card for a girl and gave her a call. I went to the girl’s apartment early one evening and discovered she had invited two others to join us. When I walked in, she was ready to buy. She didn’t care what I said and wasn’t interested in her gift. I talked her into letting me make my pitch because I needed the practice. When I was done, she purchased a set. I think it was around $300.00. That’s the only sale I ever made. I was not a salesman.
My grandson, Brady, has landed a job selling Cutco knives. His procedure is much different than mine. He earns $25.00 each time he presents his product regardless of his sales success. In addition, he lands a commission for anything he does sell. Right now, he’s just looking for opportunities to present his product. Each time he speaks, he learns a bit more.
He spoke with me on Tuesday night. Today’s technology allows the two of you to converse face-to-face via computer. Although he said right up front, “You don’t have to buy anything. I get $25.00 just to talk to you.” I bought something I needed in Florida. If it works out, I may purchase a second for my Michigan condo.
When we were done, I offered a quick critique and a few leads. You may be one. If he contacts you, please give him a listen. He needs the practice and the $25.00. As a bonus, you might learn something.
At the end of our conversation, I asked how he got interested in the opportunity. A friend contacted him and said he could work his hours around his school schedule. That appealed to him. He already knows he doesn’t want to sell Cutco knives forever, but the idea that he’ll be rewarded for his efforts was the biggest selling point. “I’m a business major and this will help me get started.”
I offered this observation. “You should do well. You have attributes similar to your parents. You’re good looking, have a positive outlook on life, and are easy to talk with. People like that.”
Please, if he contacts you, give him a listen. If he doesn’t, and you’d like to speak to this handsome young man, let me know. I’ll hook you up.
Rick sold cut o knives at MSU. I still use his demo set every day I’m home! They are wonderful knives! 56 years old and like new. If Brady needs to do his pitch I probably won’t buy anything, but I’ll listen. I have purchased the hunting knife and a really great fishing knife from Cutco. Great company! By the way, Rick only got commission for what he sold.