How to Become a Stay at Home Mom (SAHM)

We've all heard it, whether on TV, in the movies or just by joking about it. We've all seen the brochures, catalogs, and most likely have met an Avon lady - or at least seen a car with an "I'm An Avon Independent Representative" bumper sticker or window decal.

Never in a million years did I think I would become one of them.

Okay, okay, so maybe I'm making Avon sound like something out of The Stepford Wives... Honestly, that's how I envisioned it: Perfectly coiffed women wearing house dresses from the 1950s, peddling their cosmetics to anyone that would listen. I pictured them as what I call "barracuda housewives" - Women who wanted to be in the cutthroat business world, but didn't have the education or know-how to do it.

Boy, was I wrong. Mea culpa, Avon.

When I had my twins on March 14, 2008, I was anything but prepared. They were a little over 6 weeks early, and no strings had been tied up at home. My husband and I didn't expect to become a single income family so soon, and it really hit us hard. Plus, I had major complications with my recovery from my emergency C-section, that I couldn't even do the freelance work from home that I was so used to doing in order to generate extra income. I did the best that I could, but it just wasn't enough. There was quite a lot of pressure on my husband, which I felt really guilty about.

One day, I was talking about the upcoming holidays with my friend Deborah. She mentioned that she had made over $500 selling Avon, which she set aside for presents for her three kids. Mind you, Deb works as an Admissions Counselor for the University of Phoenix and has three kids of her own, so she doesn't have a lot of time to devote to outside activities.

She wasn't trying to solicit me or anything like that. After all, Deb and I have been friends for 8 years. I knew she signed up with Avon so that she could get a discount on items she ordered. I didn't know that she told other people about it and actually earned money.

I was interested. I asked what it took to sign up, and she answered, "Ten bucks." I was confused. Didn't I need a membership kit? Wasn't I supposed to carry an inventory? I had already done direct sales with Aloette, Mary Kay, Pampered Chef and PartyLite, and all required at least $100 to start up. Deb assured me that it was just $10. If I wanted my own Avon webstore, however, it would cost me $7.50 per campaign (every 2 weeks). And, if I had one customer through my store every 2 weeks, the fee would be waived.

I was skeptical, to say the least. It sounded too easy, too good to be true, too... something. But, I had faith in my friend, so I sent her $10 via PayPal and she sent me my kit. As soon as I signed up with her, though, I was able to register on the Avon website and get my store set up. As soon as I did that, I sent out a "Grand Opening" email to my entire address book. I had no training, no materials (except what was on the site), and absolutely no time. I did all of this in less than an hour after I put my twins to bed.

I woke up the next morning to find out that I had $192 in sales. I made $81!!! I couldn't believe it. Was it really this easy? Maybe it was just a fluke... I sold some non-Avon items on eBay, and added those people to my customer base through Avon's back office. Suddenly, more orders started coming in. I barely had to do anything at all-- And I certainly didn't have to "hard sell" anyone.

The kit from Deb arrived, containing some samples, brochures and an Avon tote bag. I wrote my contact information on the back of the brochures and tucked them in the tote bag with the samples. Then I put my "real" purse in the tote bag and used it as my carry-all every day.

I had a few doctor appointments throughout the week, and I brought my bag with me. On four separate occasions, women placed orders with me just based on my bag. They took the brochure, looked through it, and ordered on the spot-- Over $50 each! I couldn't believe it. Those orders helped me meet an incentive, which gave me a bunch of merchandise and a little extra money. And all I did was carry my bag with me!!

I was so happy with Avon, I told a few of my friends that I was selling it. Some scoffed, while two recruited under me. And I didn't even ask them to! Mechelle and Joelle needed money for the holidays, so they decided to give it a shot. I gave them my Grand Opening idea as well as my tote bag technique, and they were off and running. Mechelle sold $334 in her first week, while Joelle sold $142.

In the meantime, I told my mom support group about it. Surprisingly, three of my fiends joined without me even suggesting it. They were all looking for a way to get out of the workforce and stay home with their kids. One of the gals that recruited (who happens to also be an Alpha Delta Pi sister) has infant twins and a toddler. She has sold well-over $500 in the short time that she has been an Avon rep. One of the ladies is due with her first child at the end of January, and she is doing quite well, too.

So, I've got over $2000 in sales and five successful recruits without even trying to be successful at Avon. I can only imagine how well I would do if I actually had a lot of time to invest in it. The money that I bring in with Avon is used to pay my own bills as well as buy things for the twins. Because of this opportunity, I don't feel so helpless anymore.

Avon gave me my pride back. It restored my sense of self. Sure, that may sound a bit overdramatic to some, but it is the God's honest truth. I hate asking people for money - even my husband. I have had to swallow my pride on several occasions for necessities, but I haven't "treated" myself to anything - even a haircut - in months because I felt so guilty about not bringing money into the household. Because of Avon, I don't feel that way anymore. I even buy myself things from the brochure every once in a while.

If you are looking for a way to become a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM) or even a Stay At Home Dad (SAHD) - afterall, some men sell Avon - give Avon a try. It costs only $10 to join, and you can make it back by selling a $20 item. It's even worth it to just have the discount on items that you might want to purchase for yourself or as gifts for others. There is really no quota. There is truly no inventory (unless you want to keep one). There is absolutely no pressure. I love it.

If you would like more information on Avon, please visit My Avon Store or shoot me an email.