The Scout Salesman

Scout and Family guide

The Scout Salesman

Lets teach our Scouts how to do business.

How often have young people been told Do Not talk to strangers? Now we are asking them to do just that! Teaching the difference between doing business and being randomly approached on the street should keep safe habits front and center.

Emphasize safety when going over Door to Door sales.

· Always have a partner (the buddy system rules in scouting)

· Never go into someone's house unless they are related to you.

· Step back from the door after you knock, this is so the door does not hit you if it opens, and in case there is a dog on the other side you are farther back if it jumps. You are also further out of reach just in case the person on the other side is not friendly.

· Do not go to a door that can not be seen from the street, or that is posted no soliciting.

· You should have an adult with you, however a basic map or game plan should be left behind for an adult who may not be with you.

Be prepared! You will be asked this question: Why are you selling popcorn? Many people especially those who are budget conscience want to know why they should be spending $10.00 on a can of popcorn that will cost them $5.00 in the store. If they stop to ask, then half your battle is won, they want to help.

So why are you selling popcorn? Because my Leader told me to is not a very strong answer. This goes directly to the Goals of your sale. We are earning our money for camp, or the Pinewood Derby, We need Scout books or uniforms. It should be something that will both be honest, and that the Scout can grasp. It is especially good if he is actually working on a personal goal then he usually has a passionate answer, and you have an eager salesman.

Now I want you start to think like a customer, what turns on your automatic no response? Avoid it at your sale table, and in your Scouts sales pitch. "Do you want to buy some popcorn? "NO" Can I have a few minutes... "NO" Would you buy "NO". Everybody who shops has had to deal with sales people; everybody who shops has automatic no triggers. You know them; you have them, avoid them!

Try "Hi! Would you help support the Scouts and get some popcorn?" Key words here are Hi, help, support and Scouts. Would you like to help us go to camp by purchasing popcorn today? In this opening you are immediately telling the customer why you are selling popcorn.

Yes the little guys may trip over it, but that actually makes it work better. If greeted by a little guy; wearing his uniform, with a cheerful greeting, asking for help, people stop to at least hear what he is saying.

Do not judge a book by its cover. Ask! Everyone is a potential customer. I used to tell my Scouts to just ask adults, but occasionally a new guy would ask every one including the kids coming through the door. And do you know what? Mom and Dad may not want popcorn for TV night, but that 8-year-old can be very demanding. "Thats my friend from school, and popcorn with the movie tonight would be fun."

Do not expect customers to stop at your table out of curiosity, shoppers are busy, and most of them would prefer to just keep moving. He or She will not know what you are doing there unless you actually tell them by asking for a sale. Also asking does not hurt, the worst they can do is ignore you, or say no, and at best you make a sale or get a Military donation.

Prepared;

Have your pencil and Order form, know your product, and delivery time.

Organized;

Order form with pen or pencil, receipts, envelope for checks together and easily accessible.

Politeness;

Hello, Please, yes maam, yes sir, Thank You (even if you do not get a sale) Always leave a good impression!

Confidence;

You are good, you know your stuff, and you have a quality product.

Opportunity;

Every person, Every house, Every where there are people, there is an opportunity to meet a customer.

Realistic;

As much as we would like it, every one will not purchase from you, and every one will not be as polite to you as you are to them.

Neatness;

Uniform neat and clean, Order form clean and clear, Clean hands and face.