Category: Rep spotlight

I was looking on the internet for powdered eggs I think and came across the name Alison’s Pantry in my search. I called the company and asked about their products and the next thing I knew, I was a new rep! That was 10 years ago, and I’m still going strong! I had not really heard of Alison’s Pantry before I started selling it. I do have a very loyal set of customers who are fabulous!

Alison’s Pantry has been a wonderful thing for me. At the time I started selling AP, I didn’t realize just how much I needed that in my life. I’ve been a stay at home mom for most of my married life, and I love it! But I also needed to have adult contact and something that was “mine” if that makes sense. One of the best things I love about my Alison’s Pantry business is that I’ve met so many great people who I now call friends.
Alison’s Pantry has also been a family business. I’ve been fortunate that my husband’s work schedule is flexible enough that he has been able to help unload the truck nearly every month since we started this adventure. And of course, it has been another way to teach my kids to work because they help too, unloading the truck and putting things away and then they occasionally pull orders for customers.

One of the challenges of selling Alison’s Pantry lately has been the downturn in economy, especially in the area where I live with so many families dependent on oil field work. From a business standpoint, I wish I could explain how I’ve managed to keep my sales high during this time, but there are not one or two things I can pinpoint to do that. I’ve always tried to be professional in my dealings with my customers. I like to think that I’m organized and my work space (the garage) is kept as clean and organized as I can for pick up time. I have set days when customers come to my home for their orders, and I deliver to 2 businesses in town.

I’ve noticed the customers who look at their email or carry a smart phone are the ones who order most consistently. I probably average 70 orders a month, which works out to be about 1/3 of my customer base. I’m a numbers girl, so I keep track of things like that. Over the years, I’ve averaged 1/3 of my customers ordering each month.

I set a goal each month to reach $5,000 in sales and then when I meet that goal, my next goal is $1,000 in commission. I prefer to set smaller goals that seem more attainable. With the new catalog packets I’ll add another goal to give out those 10-15 catalogs each month and see where it takes me. (Now that I have to pay for those catalogs, it gives me more incentive to use them!) One thing I’ve noticed in growing my business is having adequate freezer space for larger orders. I have invested in 2 large commercial upright freezers over the last 4 years and have room in my electrical panel for one more!

It’s been great to be part of Alison’s Pantry and watch the changes and how the company has evolved over the years. I’m excited for the changes taking place now and look forward to where Alison’s Pantry is headed in the future. I’ve enjoyed the training webinars and look forward to more of them. It’s a great company to work for and I enjoy how personable Alison, Jesse, Josh and everyone who works for AP has been. Alison’s Pantry filled a hole that I didn’t even realize was there and has been such a blessing in my life. I’m able to contribute to the family income and still be at home with my kids when they need me. I love working for AP!

Hello, Reps!

I have been recently asked to share how I have grown and maintained my Alison’s Pantry sales.  And I’m thrilled and happy to share.

To begin, I’d like you to ask yourselves a few questions.  How important is being a representative for Alison’s Pantry to you?  Do you enjoy being a rep?  Would you want to live without the products that Alison’s Pantry has to offer?  Does the amount of income you bring in benefit you and your family?

These are the questions that I have asked myself time and time again throughout my time being a rep.  My answers to these questions are simple!  YES, I enjoy being a rep!  NO, I do not want to live without the products from Alison’s Pantry because I love the quality.  YES, the extra income I make from being a rep benefits my family.

I believe that because I enjoy being a rep, it in turn helps me better and sustain my sales.  If you believe in what you’re doing and taking action, how can it fail?  I believe there are two main things that will help anyone with their sales and they are:

• Customer Service! I cannot emphasize this enough!  My customers are the sole reason I exist as a rep.  Without them, how could I be a rep?  I really try to make them feel most important and they are!  When they arrive each month, I like to ask them, “How are you doing?  Have you been satisfied with your past orders?”  I also like to take a personal interest in them.  They are my friends!
• Dedication! You’ve all heard the saying, “You get out of it what you put into it!”  It’s so true!  I have tried hard each month to make sure all my catalogs are out (and now that catalogs are mailed for us, that customers have received their catalog in the mail).  I think if you make the effort to reach your customers, they in turn do the same.  I send emails out informing my customers of specials, hot deals, order deadlines, and upcoming drawings and events.  I feel that if anyone is like me (Forgetful Kenzee) they want reminders!  But make sure that any contact you have with your customers is not pushy in anyway.  They are not a dollar sign to me.  Remember, they are important!

I believe that if you believe in your cause, you cannot fail.  Be dedicated to your cause and your job.  I recently had a booth at a local boutique and I could not believe the response I got from our little town of Kemmerer!  If people see how engaged you are in your product and job, they’ll want to investigate.   If you haven’t tried getting out there…do!  It’s a great way to get people informed!  All you have to do is act!  I hope what I have shared will help you in your upcoming sales.  Good luck!