Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Ivan Ferguson on August 28, 2011 at 1:10am

what kinds of qualifications would someone need to apply for a position like this?

Permalink Reply by ChocolateClare on August 28, 2011 at 8:51am

Hello Ivan,

No specific qualifications would be required.  This is truly a casual help role.  Must love chocolate. Must have car or metropass. Must be confident enough to walk into stores, ask to speak to owner/manager, leave samples, discuss and showcase new products,  follow up via walk in or phone, deliver chocolate, accept payment, keep detailed records of what product was delivered to whch stores.

Does that give you more of an idea of the type of position ?  I am happy to provide more information or answer more questions.

Clare

Permalink Reply by Pat on August 28, 2011 at 8:08pm

Clare -- maybe you want to look for a retired salesperson who has worked in an industry where he/she has had to cold call, deliver samples, and do all the rest you're looking for.

What springs to my mind is someone who has been working for pharmaceuticals, going to doctors and drugstores. I'm sure there are other industries that have similar practices. 

You want a professional: he or she is going to be representing your business. A poor interaction with someone who doesn't know what he/she is doing could turn a store off your product or get them bad-mouthing you.

Sales is a field that takes a special kind of person who knows how to sell, how to turn "no" into "yes" and makes people feel good about purchasing the product.

Take a look at the list of requirements you have -- each of those is quite specific, and if you're interviewing for a person for the role, you're ideally looking for someone who has experience doing these things (therefore is confident). Your sentence can be turned into a bullet list of requirements. Once you've got salesperson #1, you can use that person to train others who don't have experience.

 

(am not a salesperson. am in awe of salespersons and people who know how to turn "no" to "yes." They're awesome. I do have experience hiring, though.)

Permalink Reply by Laura Bowman on September 29, 2011 at 7:54pm

Hello Clare,

 

Be careful hiring casual help as there are some legal pitfalls that can arise from that type of employment/contracting relationship.  This person is also in direct contact with your customers so you will want to protect yourself.  If you want legal advice or a lawyer-drafted contract for casual assistance feel free to give me a call: 647-459-4830  www.bowmanlawoffice.ca 

Permalink Reply by Guy M on February 3, 2012 at 9:43am

Hi Clare, 

Why don't you talk with the staff member at the Ralph Thornton Centre? They have employment workshop time to time and are in contact with different community members who might be available for part-time or on-demand work. Then, you won't necessarily deal with complete strangers if you hire a community member that is known to the RTC and was recommended by them. 

And for the worse case scenario, the RTC offers free mediation services. (It has been said in a more cynical way, but hey, you never know). 

Good luck.

Permalink Reply by Cathy Quinton on February 25, 2012 at 8:43am

Hi Clare, just back to seeing what's up on the Leslieville'r and saw your post.  Have you found the help you need? 

I think using the Leslieville'r to post your request was a good idea, for sure.  Retirees and others with flex time frequent the libraries and community centres, so you could post a sign on their community bulletin boards, or leave flyers on their counters for little to no cost.   I have contacts at RTC, let me know!

Would love to hear from you!  Cathy

Permalink Reply by ChocolateClare on February 29, 2012 at 8:49am

Hi Cathy,

Thanks for your comments.  I had a great experience with a wonderful young man who unfortunately found full time work.  To date, still have not foud anyone else. I will take yours and Guy M's advice and contact the Ralph Thornton Centre.

Wish me luck !

Clare
 
Cathy Quinton said:

Hi Clare, just back to seeing what's up on the Leslieville'r and saw your post.  Have you found the help you need? 

I think using the Leslieville'r to post your request was a good idea, for sure.  Retirees and others with flex time frequent the libraries and community centres, so you could post a sign on their community bulletin boards, or leave flyers on their counters for little to no cost.   I have contacts at RTC, let me know!

Would love to hear from you!  Cathy