Is this a fair way to offer staffer's a position

[earthworm77]

I've been reading with much interest lately the different senario's companies offer field staff or promotional staff positions. Some of the ones I've seen want you to pay pretty large amounts to buy their rods or products or even into their philosophy and offer little in return.

I have kicked around a few ideas and came up with something I've been using for about two months with my own custom tackle company. Essentially, I'm tired of getting resume's, and some horrible ones at that, from people who obviously are looking for hand outs. I don't have the time to review and correct/ask questions yet I'd hate to pass up someone for their lack of being a good writer.

I've settled on the following: For any individual who sends me a resume or pro staff request, I send them to my site to view the info on my field staff program. It outlines what I want and what I offer. These people, if interested send me a request for an application which they then fill out and return to me. If they are still interested, they pay a one time membership fee that covers the cost of a product sample packet/hat and promotional literature from the company. The fee is 35.00, it covers the merchandise. All accepted members also get a field staff price list which offers them discounts on the products.

I've been a little tricky and I purposely do not label the packages or colors. This makes the individual have to do his homework by looking on the site and learning each product. I also require these individuals to have any contacts they make who purchase from us to drop their name. If I do not get a name, they do not get credit for the work. In time, if these guys work out, they are offered the next step on the ladder, like a promotion. This of course entitles them to bigger and better things.

In all so far I think this has been a very solid idea. I've had 15 serious requests and I've picked up 12 of them. For someone who owns a company, this essentially prevents any loss for giving out samples and really only someone serious about the position will follow thru. It eliminates people looking for handouts.

Do you think this is a fair way to go about this? Can it be improved? I've thrown it around with a couple of friends who also own tackle related businesses and they liked it.

[roadwarrior]

Yes!

The key point to be emphasized, you have spelled out the process and associated costs. The decision to proceed is in the hands of the applicant. Limited downside, potential upside (is that part explained in detail?) Anyhow, sounds like a legitimate business proposition to me.

[bassin_man]

Doesn't sound unfair at all.

Btw-I like the looks of your grass jigs and muscle crawls might have to try them sometime.

[Mattlures]

One thing I would suggest is, instead of having a new account mention the name of your PS member. You could have your PS guy give you a list and dates of what stores he contacted. What this does is helps him sell your products to the stores. Istead of him going to the stores and "selling" your product, he can go into the stores and recomend your product because of the results he has had with your baits.

It just creats a little diferent angle for you PS member.

[Munkin]

EW,

 

    And to think I have been promoting your stuff because it works for free all this time. Where is my prostaff deal?

Allen

[Triton_Mike]

Craig,  One step further.  I would suggest to make your program to where everyone must qualify to make the team every year.  This is based strictly on quarterly reports that you get from everyone.  If sponsorship is a lifetime appointment there is no motivation to perform and to earn the incentives.  

Just a thought.

Mike

[earthworm77]

Mike, that is an excellent point, although I did not spell that out, it absolutely holds true. If someone doesn't hold their weight, they will not hold their position. Allen, I'll tell you what, you and I have some things to do together in the future, you do not even need to apply. PM me your address, you are in, I'll send out a package to you this week....seriously!

[squid]

MIKE HIT IT ON THE NOSE.

THAT IS HOW I HAVE TO KEEP UP WITH SOME/MOST OF MY SPONSORS.

MAKES YA WORK FOR IT EVERYTIME.

[Guest avid]

I'm not looking for anything except to land a 8lb + on one of the el gordo tubes or huge stick baits I bought from you.  If that happens, I will be more than happy to be sing your praises and buy more stuff.

[earthworm77]

Flip that El Gordo with a Gambler Florida rig weight and TTi EWG. The color is a great one for down here.

[Munkin]

I'm not looking for anything except to land a 8lb + on one of the el gordo tubes or huge stick baits I bought from you. If that happens, I will be more than happy to be sing your praises and buy more stuff.

I think I lost a 8+ lb fish last year using one on his muscle craw trailers? That day the largest bass I have ever hooked in my life threw my jig at the side of my boat and there was quite a bit of profanity heard that day on the lake.

Allen

[Low_Budget_Hooker]

Very fair.  Well done.  

I plan on using this thread in the future as an example of how it's done correctly.

Thanks EW.