Consultant: Victoria Marchant, a Virgin Vie independent consultant with Virgin Cosmetics Company.

Cosmetic Sales Consultant

Anwers supplied by Victoria Marchant, a Virgin Vie independent consultant with Virgin Cosmetics Company. The Virgin Cosmetics Company was set up in 1997 by Richard Branson who spotted a gap in the market for quality skincare and cosmetic products at affordable prices. The company has flagship stores throughout the UK, but primarily works through independent consultants trained to demonstrate and sell skincare and body products on a party plan basis. There are now around 10,000 active consultants selling around 500 products.

What does the job entail?
As an independent consultant you are self employed and free to build your business at your own pace, setting your own pay levels and working hours that suit you. The biggest part of the job entails direct selling, usually going to people’s homes, companies or community groups and providing them with a hands-on, fun, informative party or class where they can try the products. You are essentially a mobile shop! As a consultant you earn commission on anything you sell, the hostess also gets free products or commission for themselves or their group.

What skills and qualifications are needed?
You don’t need any previous experience or qualifications as free training is provided to help you get started, there are also many other ongoing training courses at little or no cost, such as bridal make-up or advanced colour techniques as well as business building sessions. Successful consultants will need to be friendly and have excellent people and customer service skills.

What type of person will fit in?
Anyone who is friendly, self-motivated and who loves the products they are selling! You must be prepared to work at building your business and generating opportunities, although of course the rest of your team and branch manager are there for support too. Most consultants are parents looking for work to fit around their family or people with another job who need some extra cash for a holiday, wedding, car etc.

What are the pluses and minuses of the job?
You can work hours and days to suit you, part-time or full-time, from five to 150 hours a week, so it fits perfectly around other jobs or family commitments. You get to meet lots of people and build a great social life. There are also some fabulous incentives and rewards such as cars and holidays as well as free products when you hit targets, in addition to those you can set yourself. Being self employed means you can decide to put in that bit of extra work and give yourself a pay rise if you have something special to save for such as a holiday. On the minus side you really have to be self-motivated.

What opportunities exist for career progression?
Any consultant can build their business to the level they choose to the time scale they choose. You can become a branch manager after a relatively short time if you put the work in, you do not need to wait for someone to leave before you can progress. There are numerous ongoing training courses and opportunities to grow your business. It really is up to you how far you want to go, from staying as a part-time consultant to becoming a regional sales manager in just a few years, the sky is the limit!

What can I expect to earn?
You will earn a basic commission on everything you sell. In addition to the commission structure you also get free products if you reach different levels of sales, these are totally achievable targets too! With many companies, there are also opportunities to earn trips round the world, such as the current promotion for a five-star luxury trip to Egypt. There is no limit to how much you can earn.

Any hints on getting a job in this area?
No previous experience is needed and there are currently opportunities for new consultants in this region. You don't need to be a pushy, sales type, just friendly with an interest in earning some extra money. If you would like some general information call (01953) 609930 and I can put you in touch with a manager in your area or visit www.myvirgincosmetics.com/
victoriamarchant for more information.