If you’re looking for an easy way to make money, you may be looking at an MLM company.
Out of all of the MLM companies out there, the Avon MLM is probably the main one you’re considering. There was a time when the beauty giant dominated the industry. However, Avon sales have fallen by half over the last seven years. But there are many benefits of joining Avon over similar companies.
Is selling Avon worth it? Here’s our review of the Avon company.
Company History and Overview
Avon is a company that was founded on the ideals of hustling. Its founder, David H. McConnell, made his living by selling books door-to-door. But in 1886, he had the idea to sell perfume instead of books.
Over the next several decades, McConnell’s company changed headquarters, had executives come and go, and went through various other changes.
But it was when the company changed its name from California Perfume Company to Avon Products is when it truly settled on its branded name and image.
Today, Avon is a multi-million direct sales company. Some of their biggest competitors are other beauty giants, such as Estee Lauder and L’Oreal.
Avon has also kept McConnell’s door-to-door sales strategy alive by relying on representatives (“Avon ladies/men”) to sell their products. Their representatives usually deliver catalogs and buyers order directly from them, though representatives can now set up online stores.
In order to gain success by working for Avon, representatives can set up “Avon shops.” These are small boutiques where buyers can purchase Avon products directly. You can usually find Avon shops at malls, flea markets, and more.
What Does Avon Sell?
Looking back at the previous section, you can gauge that Avon is famous for their perfumes. They continue holding that status today. With multiple trademarks and a collection of best-selling fragrances, Avon is currently number 5 on the list of Fragrance and Perfume companies.
But Avon has expanded their catalog over the decades. First, Avon sells essential cosmetics that all beauty lovers use on a regular basis. This includes nail polish, foundation/powders, mascara, and just about all lipstick colors.
In addition, they sell multiple types of skincare for everyone. This includes serums, lotions, anti-aging products, and moisturizers. They also have an extensive personal care inventory, which includes toothpaste, deodorant, hair styling products, and even clothing.
Are Their Products Good?
Are their products actually good? Are they worth selling? There’s a reason they have been a staple in the beauty industry — consumers love their products! Their perfume smells amazing, their makeup works well, and their skincare shows results.
But when judging by their product quality, it’s worth looking at the competition and the modern consumer.
Avon reached its peak in the 50s and 60s with their “Ding Dong, Avon Calling” campaign and their success continues until the mid-2000s. From here, their sales started declining.
There are many reasons for their decline. First, because of their success decades ago, their core consumers consist of older women who don’t have a computer and rely on their “Avon lady” to buy their beauty products.
Avon also fails to attract the modern beauty enthusiast. Their expectations in their beauty products are extremely different compared to previous generations.
While Avon products are still good quality, they don’t match the quality of professional beauty brands like Mac and the products buyers find at retailers like Sephora and Ulta or even at the local pharmacy (where 90% of American teenagers shop for cosmetics).
Why Avon Can’t Attract the Younger Crowd
While Avon still has a firm grasp on the Boomers, they fail to draw in millennials, Gen-Zers, and even Gen-Xers.
Gen-Zers and millennials are also knowledgeable consumers. They’re not trusting their local Avon lady for product recommendations. Instead, they research various brands and products. They also follow trends on social media channels such as Tik Tok, and other beauty brands are the ones catching the eyes of the younger crowd.
This is especially true in the realm of skincare; more younger people are interested in skincare. Gen-Zers and millennials are the age of “skintellectuals” because of their knowledge of skincare habits, products, various skin types, and even ingredients found in different products.
A change in business model and marketing can help Avon attract millennials and Gen-Zers. But what about Gen-Xers?
This is the busy generation that consists of parents, executives, and many are caring for their aging parents. This is why the Avon door-to-door business model also fails to communicate to Gen-Xers, especially since they’re just as knowledgeable as the younger crowd.
Is Selling Avon Worth It?
With all of these facts in mind, you may be wondering if selling Avon is even worth it. Well, there are pros and cons to know.
Pros
First, Avon has extremely low startup costs compared to other MLM careers and companies. All representatives need to pay a low fee of $25. This usually goes toward catalogs, products, and more. You can choose a higher-priced package, but $25 is the bare minimum.
They also offer other assistance to new sellers, such as the Kickstarter Program where representatives receive 40% sales commissions right off the bat. You’ll also receive assistance from your Team Leader who can help you grow your business.
As you achieve more sales, your commissions increase. This makes Avon extremely profitable.
Unlike many MLM companies, they’re a recognized name. Your consumers won’t be buying into a pyramid scheme. They’re buying from the friendly “Avon lady.” This creates trust and recognition among your buyers.
Cons
As with all MLMs, you have to factor in competition and the hard work that more experienced sellers put into their business. If you truly want to earn a living, you’ll likely have to become a team leader.
Avon relies on old-school promotion methods, such as catalogs, that don’t attract the younger consumer. While you can sell Avon online, you’re also competing against major beauty retailers such as Sephora.
The Avon MLM Isn’t the Only Way to Become Your Own Boss
You dream of becoming your own boss and making a living doing what you love. But is the Avon MLM your only option? You can start with affiliate marketing.
This includes less overhead and doesn't require as many marketing and sales skills. The beauty niche is also popular and profitable, making affiliate marketing a great option for this crowd.
If you've reached the end of this review and decided you'd rather try your hand at affiliate marketing, please consider checking out our free online webclass which will walk you through our #1 recommended way to earn money online from home and teaches affiliate marketing strategies including how to make multiple high-ticket affiliate commissions each month marketing valuable products people already want to buy.
