Why would someone sign up to be a Barefoot Books Ambassador?
After meeting a lot of other Ambassadors, I'd say that people sign up for one of the following reasons:
- They believe in Barefoot's mission to "educate our children as the caretakers of tomorrow"
- They are strong supporters of literacy and children's education and passionately want there to be more good (i.e. diverse! compassionate! environmentally minded!) books out there for kids
- They want the books for their own friends/family, and get the best deal as an Ambassador
- They want to make money
What exactly do you DO as an Ambassador? How much time to you spend?
My main job as an Ambassador is to spread Barefoot's message that children's literacy is important, and that WHAT children read can have a huge influence on the type of people they become. I share my values of environmental sustainability, compassion and appreciation of diversity. Selling books is secondary to that main goal.
I actually spend most of my time on my computer. I maintain this blog, post on my facebook wall, chat with other Ambassadors about opportunities, and do a lot (a lot!!!) of personal emailing. I have also hosted parties, run fundraisers with preschools and participated in community events. And, of course, the best part is getting a shipment of books and delivering them to people. Everyone is always so excited :)
On average, I probably spend 2 hours/week on it right now. Sometimes a little more, sometimes a little less (and by less, I mean zero hours, ha ha ha - it IS summer after all!)
How is Barefoot Books different than other direct-selling companies?
Direct selling is a big business these days! I bet your Facebook newsfeed is clogged with posts from Jamberry, Scentsy, Pampered Chef, Juice Plus, and etc.
Barefoot Books is different because it's not about selling a product - it's really embracing a message and lifestyle. I love tupperware as much as the next woman, but I can't get as excited about that as I can about teaching children compassion, or respect for the earth, or acceptance of differences. What Barefoot is trying to accomplish matters. We are raising a generation of readers who care for our planet, and are respectful of others. We are trying to make a difference. And sharing that message is completely different than any other direct selling company. Imagine working with a company whose cause you wholeheartedly support - it's amazing.
If you're looking for some other more factual differences, here they are:
- Our product is easy to sell - everyone who knows a child is a potential customer
- Our compensation plan is generous, easy to understand, and is transparent
- We have a lot of flexibility in how we run our business - we can sell directly to individuals, through home parties, to schools and to childcare centres. We can also run school fundraisers, hold read-a-thons, and set up events for charity. There are tonnes of options!
- Our products are of high quality, and sustainably produced (something you can feel good about!)
- Our Ambassador community is very tight knit and non-competitive. It's like inheriting your own group of personal cheerleaders and advice-givers!
How do you make money as an Ambassador?
Direct marketing compensation systems are generally complicated - in fact, many are so complicated that I can't even understand how they work (and that is saying a lot coming from an accountant like me!). Barefoot's system is fairly straight-forward. I also love that there are no hidden costs or commitments - everything is up front.
In short, you earn profit through:
- Selling books (30% profit margin)
- Recruiting new team members, and helping them with their businesses (you earn a starting rate of 4% of their sales and it goes up to 11% as your team gets bigger)
Another incentive Barefoot provides is their monthly challenges. Each month, Barefoot sets out a goal to achieve (i.e. "Sell $500" or "Recruit 1 new team member"). If you meet that goal, you get a prize! The value of the prizes are typically between $50 and $300.
For more details about Barefoot's Ambassador compensation plan, click here.
What about costs?
There are two costs as an Ambassador. First, you have to purchase a starter kit to start as an Ambassador at a cost of $150 (+$10 shipping). You also have to pay a $50 fee each year (your first year is free) to continue in the program. I don't think these costs are a big deal. In fact, I think the starter kit itself is an AMAZING deal to begin with (it comes with $300 worth of books, and you have the ability to earn an extra $300 in books for free! Click here to learn more!).
There is one cost that is Canada specific - a very annoying $10 shipping fee that we have pay each shipment to cover customs/duty charges. However...the company has recently announced that a Canadian warehouse is set to open in the near future which will eliminate this fee for good! Hooray!
The only other costs are ones that you would incur running a normal business - printing, display materials and sales materials. So far I've printed for free using my printer at home, purchased 2 book wire stands at the dollar store for $1.50 each, and purchased 10 catalogues from Barefoot at a price of $0.50/catalogue (I won a bunch through a challenge too).
How has it been as an Ambassador, given that you're an admitted "uncomfortable salesperson"?
Becoming an Ambassador definitely put me out of my comfort zone. I don't like being pushy, and I worried that my friends and family would feel pressured to buy something even if they didn't want to - and that it would put a strain on our relationship.
So I have been very careful in how I conduct my business. I have tried not to be too in-your-face with friends and family, although I did let them know what I was doing, and many of them have supported me. I've also done a lot of work with strangers - through introductions from friends. I've actually found it easier to work with strangers as I can be a little more forthright with them.
However, overall, the reception to Barefoot from my friends and family has been amazing. SO many people have made purchases and have been interested. In fact, one of my cousins emailed me recently saying this "I LOVE my Barefoot books! I know you did this on a whim, but it was a good one!" The books and the company really sell themselves - you just have to get them into people's hands!
So what are the cons? What don't I know?
My biggest challenge with Barefoot Books is that is a US, and not Canadian, company. Dealing with the fluctuating exchange rate is a pain, as is the fact that there currently isn't a distribution warehouse in Canada. HOWEVER, Barefoot recently announced (just last month actually!) that they would be making significant investments into Canada over the next 12 months - including the addition of our own distribution centre! This is AMAZING news for current and would-be Ambassadors and solves my biggest problem.
That's it!
Okay, summarize everything for me?
Sure! In short, this is my experience as an Ambassador so far:
- I signed up because I believe in Barefoot's mission of "educating the children of today to be the caretakers of tomorrow".
- I spend most of my effort telling others about the importance of children's literacy, and sharing the values of environmental sustainability, compassion and appreciation for diversity (honestly, things I would do anyway)
- I paid $150 for my starter kit, met my kickstart goals, and within the first 30 days, earned my starter kit cost back and accumulated an amazing library for my kids!
- I make enough side income each month to do some fun things with the family
- I've met a ton of like minded people who are joyful, positive and inspiring
- I am absolutely, very much, enjoying myself :)
First, check out My Top 5 Reasons to sign up as an Ambassador!
If you think you're interested in becoming an Ambassador, definitely reach out to me so that we can chat. I will be honest with you and answer all your questions as best I can. Send me an email at colley.lindsay@gmail.com and we'll set something up. There is absolutely no pressure or commitment required if you do this.
In the meantime, you can get more information about the Ambassador program through:
- Barefoot's official Ambassador website
- My Ambassador team's facebook page. (I'm part of a group of Ambassadors called "Marketing Barefoot", led by our fearless leader, Laurie Mattaliano) Post a question and get answers from tonnes of Ambassadors!
