Category: Uncategorized

What’s Next?

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We did it, we made it through this year. So many changes, growths and struggles.  When you look at where you’ve come, and where you want to be, how do you feel? If you want more from your AP business, what is your plan to get it?

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Too many times, we set a goal only to realize that the goal is bigger than life and so unrealistic.  To avoid this situation start by setting a goal that is doable, it should be a goal that requires you to stretch and push yourself, but not so much that you quit before you even start. Maybe you can plan to learn more about the business you work with, the products you sell and the people you serve.  Knowledge builds confidence. Have you ever been looking to purchase an item and go to the store only to come away frustrated because the sales person didn’t know as much as you about the item you were wanting? Before I spend my hard-earned cash, I like to be informed and gain as much information as I can about the product to make a good decision. This information usually comes from the sales person helping me, but when that person can’t tell me anything about the item that I didn’t already know from my own research, then I feel that the process is a waste of my time and I generally dig deeper from another source to find out. This can happen in our business too. We have many products that are new and different from what is offered by the local grocery store. These differences warrant the need for knowledge of how to prepare, use and make the most of the products we offer. If we aren’t familiar with the products and how to pass that knowledge on to our customers, then chances are, we are probably losing sales from our customers.

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One of the best ways to be informed is to learn about the products you sell. How do we learn about these items? By using them, by experimenting in our own kitchens and becoming familiar with them. Sampling AP items to our own friends and families and customers. What are your thoughts of a person who sells skincare and makeup, but won’t use it herself? My thought is…She must not believe in her own product. How can she expect her customers to buy and believe in those products when she herself does not?
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Do you use your own products? Do you believe in what you sell? If you don’t you will never become successful in your own business. Your actions speak louder than words. You need to be your own best customer. You should be learning all you can about the products you offer. Sample the products for yourself. Get familiar with how to use and prepare them. Order something new each month that you haven’t tried before.  I have heard reps say that they “can’t’ afford to use AP products”, honestly you can’t afford to NOT use your own products. People are watching you, watching what you purchase and gauging their purchases on what you use and how you speak about it.

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Regularly attending the webinars is another way to stay informed! The quarterly rep sales training webinars are a great way to help you build better sales. Invite your customers to the product webinars, we will teach them for you. Are you taking advantage of this tool? They are full of information for you and your customer.  Set a goal to invite your customers and to attend all the webinars this coming year. They will help you in your business. Give you knowledge and confidence in the products that you offer. We look forward to seeing you there. Good luck in the coming year!!

Stacee RSM

Danielle Sayler, Steele, ND

Hi, my name is Danielle Sayler. I have been an Alison’s Pantry rep for just over 3 years now. I live in Steele ND which is a small town approximately 40 miles from the nearest major shopping. My husband Travis and I have 2 amazing kiddos, Riley-7 and Gavin-5, that I am fortunate enough to be able to stay home with. In addition to Alison’s Panty my husband and I both run several other businesses. My husband’s business is a gravel and excavation business.  I help in the day to day operations by moving and operating equipment, the book and secretary work, or any other hat that I need to wear that day. I also have an auto detailing business and work a very part time position as a zoo registrar for the Dakota Zoo in Bismarck ND.

I began my Alison’s Panty business kind of by chance.  I already had a lot on my plate but our local rep was quitting. I threw the idea around for a couple of months before I made the jump, and am so glad that I did. The previous rep had a good foundation and an existing customer base which made starting out a little bit easier. Since then Alison’s pantry has grown for me enough to where I can cut back a bit on the other jobs that I am doing and over the next year or so hope to grow my business enough that I can eliminate and replace those other jobs with Alison’s Pantry alone.

I always have a running goal to beat at least the previous months sales and ultimately top my best sales ever. However in reality that is not always possible, so each month as sales come in, I look at my total sales as the deadline approaches and push myself to hit a threshold, whether it be just one more sale, or to reach out to one more customer to put me to the next commission level. This year I also looked at my overall position in the company and decided that I wanted to be at a certain level next year and that is my major goal at this point. I one day hope to be in the company top ten, and look to those reps who are currently at that position and try to model my business after things that they do to become as successful as they are.

One thing that has helped my business tremendously is expanding the area in which I serve.  There are several other communities that are anywhere from 20-60 miles from where I am located. I simply reached out to customers from those areas and offered to provide AP  to them. It is difficult to deliver if you only have a small order to those areas and not lose money, so I did go in with the stipulation that I needed to have a minimum order for the area. I have had an overwhelmingly positive response to this offer. So for example if I am going to deliver 40 miles away I need to have a minimum of $300 combined from all orders to make it worth my time and expense to travel there, and nearly every time I have at least double the minimum if not more in orders.  If someone decides to order and we don’t meet the order minimum I either hold on to the order till the next time or make other arrangements to get them their products.

The AP staples in our house are the Trident ultimate fish sticks and the Mediterranean chicken.  But honestly I think every meal we make has AP incorporated into it in one way or another, whether it be the main course, the side, the spices to bring it all together, or even the pans we use to make the meal. My husband jokes regularly about feeling like he knows Alison personally since she is such a big part of all of our meals. LOL!

I also try to provide samples each month. The ones that are individually packaged already like the fruit snacks are the simplest.  But I seem to have the greatest success with ones that are bigger quantity items. That way the customer gets to try them before investing into a bulk box of something without knowing if they like it or not. One month I made protein balls and gave each customer a protein ball with the recipe (that listed numbers for each of the AP ingredients) and ended up having several customers order all of the ingredients from the recipe!

Personal experience and service with products is by far, hands down, the bestselling tip that I have.  After I try things I try to let customers know what I think of them. My customers have become very reliant on my opinion of products. I will be 100% honest about a product, not only on quality and taste but also on price. We live far enough that the big box stores aren’t always convenient but close enough that my customers aren’t going to pay a significant amount more just to get it locally.  My customers know that I always have their best interest in mind even if it means my bottom dollar might be a little less.  That trust encourages them to tell other people about products and my services which more than makes up for a product that they may not order.  Instead of discouraging them from ordering what I will do is point them to the unique products that we offer and honestly those are the products that sell better for me anyways. Hot Deals are a HUGE portion of my monthly sales especially when the Mediterranean chicken was/is available. I have a feeling I have a reputation as the crazy chicken lady but know that once people try it they are going to be in love with it too. If it has been several months since it has been available I have no problem selling upwards of 35+ cases of that single item. I keep a running list of customers and what they like to order regularly and let them know when those particular items are available or on sale or if there is another similar item that they might be interested in.

Finally I make a point to be honest and sincere with all my customers. I truly have some of the most amazing customers out there and am so grateful for that. I reward them with referral bonuses, various drawings, and early bird bonuses. When I see them I don’t expect to talk about AP, if they bring it up we discuss it but if not we talk about the other things going on in their lives or my own. I see quite a few of my customers on a regular basis. I have always jokingly said to them, “ I don’t ever want to be the person you see walking down the street and you have to dodge behind the nearest light post and hide because her comes that crazy Alison’s pantry lady.” Of course I want my business to thrive but I have to remember that these people are my friends and neighbors first and foremost, and that my business is successful because of them so I need to be sure that my customers are my number one priority and the sales will then fallow.

I am a huge fan of the changes that have happened with AP over the past year, there are have been rough patches but that is all part of change. I really like to try and embrace it, roll with the punches so to speak. We are given a multitude of resources to help us succeed, and I try to take full advantage of them, whether it be marketing kits, finding information on the blog or reaching out to rep support for help with questions and issues. This business allows you to make it what you want it to be. The more you put in the more you get out.

Meet Marie Moore!

 

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My name is Marie Moore. I live in Coalville, Utah. I have 3 children. My daughter is 11, and I have two boys a 7-year-old and a 3-year-old. I have been a rep for Alison’s Pantry for almost 8 years. I started just as a trial, and then ended up loving every minute of it. My family and I live on a ranch. We raise pure bred shorthorn cattle, horses, and sheep. My kids play basketball and wrestle. We enjoy being together as a family and helping grandparents. My family is a huge fan of everything that we had tried so far. My kids will go through the book and circle everything that they want. They also go through and pick out stuff for friends and teachers for Christmas. We love all the products. One of our favorites is the Farmland Shredded Smoked Pork #5586 and the Smuckers Uncrustables #3119. There are so many other items that we love.

I am still getting used to the new program and the possibility of some items being sold out or out of stock, it makes ordering early a priority.  I like the addition of the restock date on the website though, so when an item is out of stock I can order it on the date that it comes back in.  I only have two to three customers that put their own orders in by themselves, which made it hard at first, but I have adjusted and use a credit card for my customer’s that don’t feel comfortable with using or placing their own orders. This is part of the customer service that I like to provide.  I have also had larger orders since we started so that’s different but great, even with me ordering for my customers. I love the mailing of the catalogs it has been a tremendous help with my customers as well.  Alison’s Pantry is a wonderful company to work with and is extremely rewarding.

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Great job on your business Marie, you are always so consistent in your sales and we enjoy having you represent us. Thank you!

  Stacee Izatt RSM

 

 

 

Managing Sales During the Busy Holiday Season

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The holidays are just around the corner which means we will all be crazy busy with shopping, holiday parties, and family celebrations.  Here are some great tips to keep your Alison’s Pantry business running smoothly in the middle of it all.

Plan ahead – It’s important to schedule time ahead to work your business.  Decide in advance when you will be sending out reminders, making phone calls, getting catalogs out, and anything else that needs to be done.  When the time is already set aside to accomplish those important tasks, you won’t be scrambling at the last second with no time left to do what is important.   Schedule time to work your business.

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Share great  Christmas ideas with your customers through email, Facebook, and text.  One of the best things about Alison’s Pantry is CHRISTMAS!  We have so many fun gifts to give, yummy treats to eat, and fixings for Holiday meals.  Share all of the great ideas we have with your customers!  Give them ideas of what to buy for those hard to buy people.  Show them how easy holiday meals are to prepare with Alison’s Pantry products, and let them know that our chocolates and candies are must haves!  Alison’s Pantry has recipes to share from our webinars, and beautifully made professional images for you to share.  You can find both here on this blog.

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Customer appreciation- Christmas is a great time to let your customers know how grateful you are for their business.  Start planning right now what you will be giving your customers to say thank you. Appreciation makes your customers feel important and needed.

Extra reminders are important because customers are extra busy – and start early! Everyone is so slammed during the holiday season, so start early with reminders and don’t stop until they order or tell you they don’t need anything.  Your customers will appreciate you going the extra mile to remind them since they have so much on their minds and it’s easy to forget.

Hopefully these tips will help your holiday season with Alison’s Pantry go more smoothly.  A little bit of pre-planning and going the extra mile will really make a huge difference for your business!

Julie Hawkes, RSM

From my point of view…

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After three months of our new system of ordering, we should be more familiar with the simplicity of our new website.  Yes, it has come with a few challenges, but along with a new way of doing things, it has made ordering so much easier, faster and more efficient.  Are you using it to its full potential?

We’ve heard many comments and suggestions, some of them plausible, some not so much. We welcome your input and are working to implement some of the suggestions you have given. As reps we have been given a new way of servicing our customers, a more efficient and up-to-date system. We all remember how slow and limited our old portals system was, how refreshing it is to have the ability to see in-stock items and to give our customers the quick return orders and products that they want. With these changes, have you made changes in the way you operate your business to keep up?

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In my own personal rep business, these changes have required me to change some of the ways that I run my business. One thing that has not changed is the need to contact each one of my customers.  I use texting, messaging and email to accomplish this. No response does not mean “NO”, it just means that they didn’t see my message. I don’t stop until I reach them. I have found that when I speak to them in person or on the phone, the orders are bigger. Maybe saying “NO” to me is harder than it is to the text. Give it a try. Set a goal and personally contact your customers this month. Say something like, “With the holiday season, I know that you are as busy as I am, but I didn’t want you to miss out on anything you need for your dinner, like the ham or sweet potato casserole or of course our beehive rolls. Did you need anything?”   See if your orders are a bit higher and if you get more of them. I also plan and watch the calendar so that I know of the holidays and vacations of my customers. I must be up to date so that I don’t miss out on the important personal contact. I have taken advantage of the mailing program that the company offers to mail out my catalogs each month to all my customers. Even though this has saved me hours of drive time, gas, and wear and tear on my car, this doesn’t replace that personal contact.   It does however, relieve the stress of seeing the catalogs sit on my table begging for me to find the time to deliver them. My customers love it and are so happy to receive them. I love it too!  It is well worth the investment in my business. We all know that our customers like to hold and see the catalogs. What are you waiting for? Get on the mailings!! Your time is worth it!

When it comes to getting my customers to order online themselves.  Patience is the key Each month the customers ordering has increased. As they get comfortable with the process, it will get easier.  I have offered contests and gifts as incentive to place the orders themselves. The first month I had 5 customers place their own order, 2nd month 10 customers, and this last month I had 14 that did it. The name of my game is customer service and I am happy to offer the best to my customer. In my eyes, the customer is always right (even when they aren’t). I want them to be happy and I am willing to do what is best and easiest for them. If this means that they aren’t comfortable with online ordering, then I will continue to offer my services as in the past. This has required me to have the means to pay for the orders for them with a credit card. I know that operating a business at times requires risk but this is something that I am willing to do. You must do what is best for you.  With time it is my hope that my customers will warm up to the idea of online ordering. My suggestion to you is to maintain the relationship, be flexible and work at making ordering a pleasurable thing. People don’t like hard things. Make working with you the easy and rewarding.

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Advertising is key to your business. What do you do to advertise? We are a quiet company; our advertising lies in our reps. If you don’t talk about it, then no one else is either. You must put yourself out there. Find boutiques or craft fairs to attend for the visibility. You may not sell much product there; in fact, I choose to not sell.  I find it takes some of the fear out of approaching customers; they are more likely to feel less pressure. I explain that I am there to spread the news of AP in that area. Would they like to learn more?  Do you have advertising on your biggest advertising ability- your car? Why not?  It’s easy and we have all the clip art that you need to accomplish this. A nice window banner is about $30 dollars. Once again, all tax deductible. I also like to advertise at auctions, car shows, etc. I offer a giveaway basket in exchange for an advertising plug about my business. You can also donate to your high school booster club in exchange for a banner at the high school and receive advertising on a Friday night football game. These are just a few ideas that I have embraced to help me in establishing my business in my area.

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Just like we like to hear “thank you”, so do our customers. I freely give my appreciation for their support. I wouldn’t be in business without them and I know this. I thank them regularly with words and gifts and returning the support to them in their endeavors. During Christmas I offer gifts for all, just a small token of my appreciation for them. I also reward the most dedicated customers with a nice gift. These gifts are tax deductible as a business expense. They go a long way in securing my connection with  the customer. I also like to offer samples regularly. Along with building sales and trying new things, they are a feel good for them customer.

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Alison’s Pantry is a simple business. Simple yes, but it will still take determination, thought and action to build a successful and lasting business. I hope that I have given you a few ideas to help you establish growth. For more ideas contact your RSM. She is always willing to listen and help you. Good Luck.

Stacee Izatt RSM

Jeannie Sykes, Winnemucca, Nevada

Hi, I am Jeannie Sykes and I am a rep. in Winnemucca, Nevada. I am a Mom to 3 boys and grandma to 6 wonderful grandkids. I was an Alison’s Pantry customer long before I became a rep. I loved the products and the convenience of them. Our boys still come by to raid the freezer for their favorite items.  

When my second rep was giving it up I talked to my husband about it. With his support I took on being an Alison’s Pantry rep. I had been a stay at home care provider for my Mother-in-law for the last ten years. This was something that would work around that and get me around people again. When we lost her last year I know that working Alison’s Pantry helped me pull through the loss. I had a reason to get up and face the day.  

When our shipment arrives it is usually just my husband, Jim and I working it. But summers are a different story. The grandkids argue over who gets to help with unloading, sorting, catalog prep (labels and flyer insert), and getting the mailed out ones ready. These loves of my life range in ages- 15, 13, 11, 6 and 18 months. They all love to spend time with us to meet and greet the customers and help with their orders.  

I try to keep ahead of the order week with texting, email, Facebook and the phone calls right up until the order closes or they tell me “not this month.” I let them know if something they like is on sale or something new they might want to try. On my first weekend of pick ups I try to have something for them to sample. I also have snacks for the kids who come with the parents or grandparents (curious George fruit snacks, granola bars, cookies and such).  I follow up with my new customers to see how they like the product they are trying.  I send birthday, anniversary, get well, and cheer up/thinking of you card to my customers. I do have drawings and prizes but not every month. I will do early order, first to pick up, bring a friend when they pick up, etc. I always offer 10% off for a referral who also places an order.

My last drawing was for those who used our new website and placed an order themselves. I also do deliveries to my day cares, seniors, and a few schools and businesses. I leave catalogs at my groomers, hair salons, doctors offices. I make sure to get the webinars watched and enjoy the Q&A sections. I also check the Facebook pages, blog and academy sites daily to see what is going on.

I can’t believe that I have been doing this for 4 years. I really enjoy it and

I’ve made so many friends since I started. I hope to keep doing it until I can’t.  My replacement is waiting for me to quit. She needs to finish school first. Thank you to all of the RSM’s, Office and warehouse people who make this such a great company to work with.  Your appreciated more then you know!

 

Meet Beverly Atherley

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I have been selling Alison’s Pantry for around two years.   My daughter was selling it when her life changed drastically and she didn’t have the energy to keep up so I took over her customers. My granddaughter, Emily had a reaction to the HPV shot and now can’t be left alone.  She has daily seizures, no movement on the right side, and hasn’t spoken in two years. So I spend a lot of my time with her and this allows me the freedom to do that and have a little extra income.  It has been a long two years but Alison’s Pantry has been so supportive as my family has traveled this path.
  I have 4 children, 2 daughters-in-law, 2 sons-in law, 10 grandchildren, and one husband. We are retired and enjoy taking off when we can to camp and ride in our side by side. I love to craft.  Painting, sewing, crocheting, knitting, and gardening are some of my favorite things to do.  I always have some kind of project if not two or three in the works. I am getting back into family history and spend every Tuesday in Salem,UT working on this with my sister.
I live in West Jordan, Utah and I have a lot of competition from the big box stores as well as several grocery stores close by.  I have had some people say to me that they can get anything in the catalog in the store for less.  This mindset required a bit of thought from me to find what AP offers for my customers that the stores don’t.  First thing I did was try something new each month so that I could answer questions and make recommendations.  Since many of my customers are elderly with health issues,  shopping is hard for them. This allows me to make deliveries to these families.  They can shop the catalog and get food without leaving home.  I carry the items into the house so they can easily deal with their order.   On my group’s order week, I call, text, Face Book message or email everyone on Monday before order close to let them know when the order deadline is,  then remind them on Wednesday, and on Saturday.   I always ask about how they are doing before I ask about Alison’s.  In my texts I comment about something  before I bring up Alison’s.  For instance “Hope your summer has been full of fun.  Fall is in the air and the Alison’s catalog is full of fall specials.  This is order week!”
 I haven’t held contests but offer more incentive type rewards.  I have given 10% off if they share their catalog with a friend and they both order over $25.  Currently,  I am refunding 1/2 of the shipping if they order over $100 on their order.   Little samples sent home once in a while gives them a fun surprise with their order.  I offer to keep orders if they are not going to be here when it comes in.  I make sure to be available when they want to pick up their orders.   If there is an issue with their order I give them something extra.  (Webinar gifts were great for this)   Also, I try to make them my main concern and not the order.  My customers are what’s important and I try to remember that and not just worry about the orders.
I love the food, the ease of preparing it, and how wonderful it tastes.  But most of all, it is the people who make Alison’s great.  Thanks for letting me be part of it.
Reps like Beverly is what makes Alison’s Pantry great! Thank you for being such an important part of our company. We couldn’t do it without you.
  Stacee Izatt RSM

Freezer Meals For Customers

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Tasha Losing had a fantastic idea to offer freezer meals to her customers using Alison’s Pantry foods.  Here it is in her words:

The idea came to me while scrolling through Pinterest, I got most of my freezer recipes from there! The post was about how to freeze potatoes without them browning and I thought to myself how much easier these recipes would be with AP products, already frozen and some already cut and precooked! I then asked a few of my customers if they would be interested in coming to a freezer meal workshop and I had some interest.

I created a Facebook event inviting all my customers, offering 18 freezer recipes that I would show how to make (I suggest doing fewer or planning to make it a full day event). I did allow those customers who raise their own beef to bring it. I had 8 commit to coming to the event and they had to pay a $50 retainer. I did have to buy a few things at the local store that we don’t offer like sour cream and a few canned goods but most of the meals I was able to substitute AP products in. I had the event start at 1pm offering a few sample AP products like brownies and cookies. I asked them all to bring a friend to help and hired my sister to babysit kids in my basement while we made these meals.

Everyone enjoyed putting the meals together and didn’t have to worry about the mess to clean up.

I did all the calculations for the recipes and how much product I would need ordered per recipe. I did subtract the cost of the ground beef off for those who brought their own. I then divided the total cost between 8. I knew we would have some left over AP products and I allowed my customers to split and take home the extras. I did learn with cooking the chicken and pork from the cases they cooked faster than the recipes called for. I also learned that by doing my freezer show my sales where up the month I did the show but those who attended didn’t order the next month because they had full freezers.

The freezer meals are a great way to bond with your customers and see what they like about our products. Timing is also key, I planned my workshop just before calving to helping many some ranch wives out who help and are very busy.

I would love to answer any questions and take any suggestions for the next one I do!

Tasha Losing

(406)951-2151

My Alison’s Pantry Pinterest board-http://pin.it/AXk44Ot

Here are the recipes and the grocery list:

Tasha’s chicken freezer meals

Tasha’s beef freezer meals

Tasha’s pork freezer meals

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A Letter From Our Owner

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Dear Alison’s Pantry reps-

In an effort to address some concerns that have been brought to my attention I thought I would share my response with all of our reps. I really appreciate the opportunity to have an open dialogue with all of you; even if it’s a difficult subject.

So, here’s the problem a lot of our reps are up against-
“I have been price comparing at the local Sam’s here to see why a lot of my customers seem to be getting their groceries somewhere else and I have to admit I am now one of those customers.”

I have to admit when I first read this I felt pretty bad. This certainly isn’t the first time I’ve heard of our pricing being higher than big box stores like Costco, WalMart, and Sam’s Club. We’ve lost some great reps and customers due to low prices at club stores; however, I wanted to address that with everyone today.

Let me be honest with you: Alison’s Pantry will probably never be able to compete on price with the multibillion dollar big box stores. They can buy in product for such a low cost that at times we can buy it from them cheaper than we can directly from our vendors!!! We’re not the only business this is happening to either. Our food brokers are constantly getting complaints from their buyers that they see prices from club stores that are cheaper than what they buy them directly from the vendors. The poor food brokers never know what to say because they and I feel that it’s not fair that a food manufacturer give big box stores a massive discount just because they can buy in huge volumes. It makes us feel like we’re not an important customer.

Unfortunately I can’t control any of that, but I can control my attitude and how I react to problems. I hope you’ll join with me to consider what makes Alison’s Pantry awesome.

1- Alison’s Pantry uses a sales force (representatives) to sell our products. We pay a commission to our sales force for selling our products. You not only receive a discount on everything you buy, but you get paid a commission for everything you sell. Our commission might be lower than other MLM businesses, but how many of those businesses have the repeat customers like we have? With other businesses once you’ve run out of your warm market it becomes extremely difficult to continue selling.
Our product sells itself and everyone needs to eat…….month after month…….after month…..after month…..well, you get the idea. ☺

2- Sam’s Club and Costco both charge you a membership fee where Alison’s Pantry is free. (you have to pay $45 to $100 just to walk in the door) Most customers forget about this cost and while it’s not too expensive, that’s how the club stores make their money.

3- Alison’s Pantry delivers the product to your home whereas you have to drive to the big box stores. Our rural reps have an edge on the competition because it can be a long drive to the nearest club store. Here is an example of a store being 75 miles away: If you use standard mileage tracking of 53.5-cents per mile it’s really costing you $80.25 per trip. I know you may say that you were driving there anyway, but the fact of the matter is that you’re paying for a home delivery with Alison’s Pantry versus having to drive 150 miles. In this situation it’s costing you time and convenience.

4- If your customers don’t have a membership then compared to other similar options like Schwan’s we are much better priced; and believe me not everyone in America has a club membership.

5- Most customers (I know, not all customers) are willing to pay a higher price on products because it helps their neighbor. That’s what Alison’s Pantry was founded on. People like to buy from someone they know because you also provide a service. You have knowledge about the product in how to prepare it and you also provide a social aspect -that if you’ll forgive me for saying so- we’re desperately in need of
in this day and age.

6- Alison’s Pantry is constantly striving to find unique products that you can’t get anywhere else. Most of our products are foodservice which means they are a much higher quality than what you’ll find at other grocery stores. Sometimes there is almost no comparison to our products vs ‘Great Value’ items. The old saying “You get what you pay for” rings very true in those situations. If your customers say that they can purchase this product somewhere else that’s fine, but point out all the other products we have. We stock over 800 items and a good portion of those can’t be found in big box stores. If you have a mentality of: “There’s something for everyone in our catalog” then you’ll have a much easier time selling the product. The reason we spend so much time and effort in training our reps is because it adds value to you and our products. Customers aren’t just buying food; they are buying knowledge and convenience. We pay reps an average commission of 16% and which needs to be added onto the cost of product so we can make a profit. We NEED you to sell the product, but in order to pay you a commission we need to charge more for the product. See how that works? If we didn’t have to pay reps commission and charged a $45 to $100 membership fee our pricing would be quite a bit lower, however, then we wouldn’t have a sales force.

Anyways, hopefully I have explained the difference between Alison’s Pantry and most other big box retailers. I know there are some customers where the only thing they care about is the cost, but that’s not where we can compete. Our reps are our greatest asset, but if you’ve lost the vision of what makes Alison’s Pantry awesome then it might be time to reassess and remember what makes us different. Thanks for your time and I welcome
your comments.

Sincerely,

Joshua Kissee, Co-Owner