Slow Start

[Seren]

Hi, I've started selling Usbonne Books at home and have had a few orders but am finding it hard going. I'm trying to get a foot in the door with a school and it is really tough, I've had so many "we already buy books from....." I feel really crappy about this and don't know how to break past this

Any advice? I have to say I do feel like giving up in this area

[Easties]

Hi, I've started selling Usbonne Books at home and have had a few orders but am finding it hard going. I'm trying to get a foot in the door with a school and it is really tough, I've had so many "we already buy books from....." I feel really crappy about this and don't know how to break past this

Any advice? I have to say I do feel like giving up in this area
no advice hun but i was thinking of doing the usbourne books thing so will watch your progress i would say dont give up just yet its always hard when you first start out with something new xxxx

[vikki]

bless, don't give up just yet, are the books geared towards youngsters? Try all the nurseries in your local area, Large companys where you can put em in their staff room etc, cos lots of mums and grannies would snap them up! I worked in a drs surgery and bought some, also nursing homes, for the staff etc. don't give up yet hunnyxx

Any staff room for large companies. like, your local sports center, Try any womens Institues, Hospitals, care homes, will try and get some more ideas xx:kissykiss

Get your local phone directory and call every company that is big, and ask em if you can do it in their office etc,

Banks, building societies etc.....

My mind is full of ideas today,!!

[Seren]

Thanks Vikki, I thought I was ok with selling but don't think I am. I've got a booking for a mums and toddler group and have contacted a few more groups. I think I feel really uncomfortable talking to people to get them to buy, which is weird if you know me.

I think I need to build my confidence up and need someone to say yes. I've had too many nos which has dented my confidence and made me scared of ringing people

[vikki]

try and block the negative out hunni, Is it like a book club where you leave examples and they then purchase what they like and you take the orders etc?

[Seren]

yes sort of, you show them samples and the catalogue. the commision is really good for schools and they can get loads of free books, but I can't get past the we already buy from. Also think I am speaking to the wrong person and calling at the wrong time and not sounding confident.

The books are lovely, and once people see them they do like them and buy.

[Netty]

Maybe you could write to local nurseries etc and say you'll give them a ring in xx days to arrange to call in with some samples etc.

A letter is more likely to reach the right person whe can then agree or not ..

Can't really advise you as I sent off for their introductory package a couple of years ago, and then had the same problem as you (except I didn't even bother phoing people!) I mentioned it to the couple of toddler groups I went to who said, yeah, we'll let you know the best week ... and that was as far as it went!

[Seren]

well I have a sort of yes, just spoke to my sons nursery and they have a parents evening in a couple of weeks time, so I've asked if I can do a display, She is going to check but I have a provisional yes, feel a bit better now

[Lemon]

Usborne Books are really really lovely. Have quite a few at home which I bought from my local toddler group.

Selling is quite hard hun and you will be fine once you get a couple of orders under your belt ... boost your confidence.

The letter idea is a brilliant one, you should try it. When you phone schools and they say 'we already have bla bla' you may have to be a bit more pushy to get in there and say something like 'how much do they offer you in commission, free books ? If you give me a go, I'll see if I can better the deal for you' (or words to that effect). My son has books at his school, but I think their prices are disgraceful ! Usborne offer excellent quality and really good value which is something perhaps you could point out. Hope that helps, Lemon x

[feistygal]

I think Lemon has given some great sales advice there.

I absolutely love Usborne books and ds has loads. We home educate and they are very popular with home educators too.

I think the key is to get them seen as once people can look at them in the flesh they sell themselves imo.

Good luck.

Claire xx

[Macaroni]

Good point Easy !! maybe get some free gifts to give away??!!

Id also contact Day centres & church groups, books are great things for grandparents to buy!

I couldnt do it so you should feel good for even starting it hun!!

[Seren]

Thanks Netty, I originally thought about doing a letter but was put off by Dh, he said it would end up in the bin. But I think I will try that anyway.

Evidently they are setting up website ordering via usborne reps soon, so hopefully I can persuade some of you guys to order :cheesy:

I just have to keep telling myself that it is not personal and that it is just business and keep going. I was really disapointed that my sons school wasn't interested, oh well their loss

[Seren]

Thanks guys you've given me some great ideas. I've now got 1 firm booking with a pre-school and a pencilled in date with a nursery.


Not sure how I feel about calling large companies, I mean what is in it for them?

I also have a few more contacts for other groups, so feel much better now.


I guess I really shouln't take it to heart when I get a rejection

[Daffs]

It's hard work and I would never consider doing it myself because it's just not *me* to be selling stuff. I LOVE Usborne books myself. Lexie especially loves the jigsaw ones. Do you have a website or any sort of marketing plan, flyers, etc? It sounds tough to me but I hope they all come back with hundreds of orders for you ""cutey""b

[Seren]

no individual website yet, is it expensive to get one Daffs?

Got flyers, no plan yet just doing it adhoc, I guess some planning etc wouldn't go amiss after all that is my proper job ! lol

I'm supposed to be able to plan as a PCO

[Daffs]

Come in chat room if you want a quick chat about it, I might be able to help..:happy72:

[littlesheep]

I know where you are coming from :( I'm also an Usborne rep and it's the getting started / getting yourself known in the area that I think is the hardest bit... tbh I haven't done as much as I should have especially recently as I'm pregnant again. I've found the run up to Christmas is a great time to get personal bookings, so don't give up quite yet... also look of for summer fairs / fetes where you can 'buy' a table or offer the commission to the organising group as a cash donation rather than books.

Love Elaine

[Whassat]

Good point Easy !! maybe get some free gifts to give away??!!

Id also contact Day centres & church groups, books are great things for grandparents to buy!

I couldnt do it so you should feel good for even starting it hun!!

I can't offer any real advice sorry...just agreeing with the others...on the free gift side,,could you print off some bookmarks or something...(just a thought) xxx
good luck and as the others say...don't give up xx