An Avon lady is an independent sales representative for a company called Avon. Using the company's catalogs, sales materials, and samples, an Avon lady sells makeup and skin care products as well as perfumes, colognes, and items intended for bathing and pampering. She may also sell the company's jewelry, clothing, toys, and novelties. Some people with this title also recruit others to sell as part of their teams and help them increase their profits. Interestingly, the use of the word "lady" does not mean Avon sales representatives are only female — some males work as representatives of this company as well.
When a person is called an Avon lady, this basically just means she is an authorized sales representative for a company called Avon. An individual with this title is not usually an employee of the company, however. Instead, she works as an independent representative and can run her business as she wishes as long as she does not break any Avon policies, such as those regarding advertising using the Avon name. She is also responsible for keeping her own business records, filing her own income taxes, and keeping track of her withholding tax. It is important to note that despite the fact that people often use the term "lady" when describing Avon representatives, males can represent this company as well.
Years ago, an Avon lady usually just sold perfumes, but eventually the company expanded to include many other types of products. For example, a person can purchase cosmetics, skin care products, perfumes, deodorants, and bath products from an independent representative. An individual can also purchase clothing, accessories, shoes, and jewelry from independent representatives of this company. Additionally, an Avon lady may peddle the company's gifts and novelty items, especially when holidays are approaching.
An Avon lady's primary method of selling is via catalogs she purchases from the company and then distributes to potential customers and people she knows. Some representatives may also leave these books in places where potential customers are likely to find them, such as train stations and beauty salons. A representative might also go door to door with catalogs and samples, set up displays at various events, and sell online. Online selling is usually accomplished through a website provided by the Avon company. Additionally, some people try to increase their sales by arranging parties through which they can allow potential customers to sample products and view catalogs.