Direct Seller Safety During the Holidays

We’re smack dab in the middle of a busy holiday season.  Direct sellers everywhere are displaying their wares at vendor events and home parties across the country.  Independent consultants set up tables loaded with cash and carry items, hopeful to find customers who are looking for unique Christmas presents, home décor, or a business opportunity.

For some direct selling consultants, November is the busiest month of the year bringing with it record sales.  Notwithstanding, those record sales bring about an increased need to be extra vigilant with your personal safety. Below are a couple tips to remember to ensure your personal safety.

• Don’t brag about the day’s sales. All too often I have heard other vendors ask each other at the end of an event, “How’d you do today?” Some of the responses I’ve overheard include: “Fantastic!” or “I sold about $700”.  Okay good for you; but you basically just told strangers that you have a wad of cash.  Just in case someone was looking to rob a vendor on the way out, you’d be a great target.
• Keep money with you at all times. Use a fanny pack, apron or pocket to keep your stash.  If you choose to use a cash box, make sure it is locked and out of sight; but not out of sight so much that if you turn to talk to a customer someone could unknowingly take it.
• Keep your hands free. Loading and unloading your vehicle to set up for an event can be a real pain in the dupa.  We try to make as few trips as possible and carry as much with us so that we don’t have to make an event just out of setting up.  However doing so, ensures that you are not hands free, thereby making you an easy victim should someone want to attack you in the dark or unattended parking lot.  Instead use a roll-cart, suit case or take multiple trips so that you’re not so encumbered you’re unable to defend yourself should the occasion arise.

Ideally it’d be nice to have someone with you at these events. I realize that is not always possible.  I’ve done more than a few by myself and it was fine.  However if you can encourage a spouse, friend, teen, neighbor, someone to at least be with you during set up and tear down phase, it’ll provide an extra layer of protection.  Otherwise, just be vigilant and make wise choices.

Give yourself plenty of time so that you’re not rushed into cutting corners or taking chances that you might not otherwise, if you did not feel compelled to beat the clock.  Enjoy your business; enjoy your customers and have a safe holiday season!