That Time I Was Duped As An Avon Sales Rep

I learned a very valuable lesson as a young salesperson

It was early 2000s — perhaps 2002 or 2003, and I was looking for a side job I can do after school and after my full time job at Verizon(I was a busy bee). I then remembered my mom used to sell Avon products back in the day, and decided, “Heck! Maybe I can do this too!”

For those of you not familiar with Avon, it is one of the largest, beauty companies global. It was founded by David H. McConnell — a salesman of books who later figured he’d rather sell perfumes around late 1800s. It used to be called the California Perfume Company, but later in 1892 became known as Avon. Check out Wikpedia for more information.

Since then, Avon is known for their shiny catalogues of famous perfumes(I love Mesmerize!), cosmetics and the fact that it is more of a pyramid marketing “scheme”. You sell Avon, but you “earn more” when you bring on an associate. This typically happens at Avon parties.

My goal overall was to quit Verizon and work for Avon full time. I got tired of showing up to work at 7am and leaving at 7pm, only to chase after the public transportation to make it to my 8pm night class at the local community college. I’d rather just sell whenever I want.