1 - FIND OUT ABOUT THE VDI BUSINESS

Before taking up a job, the first step is to gather information to ensure that the job is suited to your profile and your desires. The first step is to find out about the current state of the market: do companies make a lot of use of the services of VDIs? What is the fastest-growing sector in France (fashion, beauty, kitchen accessories, etc.)? A simple internet search will give you an overall idea of the possibilities open to you.

It is then advisable to identify the qualities and know-how that independent salespeople must master at all costs. We'll start with skills.

What skills are essential for the VDI profession?

To work in home sales, you need the following skills:

• Knowledge of the brand and sales techniques

A home sales assistant knows the values and products of the brand she is promoting. In particular, you need to systematically study new products so that you can show them off to their best advantage, presenting their benefits to your potential customers.

• Organisational skills

Meetings are held at regular intervals. To ensure that everything runs smoothly, you need tomanage your diary and all the logisticsRelating to meetings (transport, quantity and type of clothing to bring, organisation with the hostess, management of invitations, etc.).

• Oral fluency

A home sales assistant is constantly required to speak in front of customers. She has to know how to present products, use a sales pitch, answer questions and give persuasive advice. What's more, a Home Sales Assistant is responsible for creating the right atmosphere at meetings. Quite often, customers choose to take part in an in-home meeting rather than go into a shop or order from an online boutique to spend a pleasant moment with their friends. So it's vital that the atmosphere is just right.

• Listening

Every customer is different. That's why it's so important to listen carefully and suggest pieces that suit her tastes and style. Advice is very important in the VDI business.

• Managing customer relations

To win loyal customers, it's essential to know how to maintain the relationship you've built up over time. The VDI will therefore try to build a relationship of trust and use a variety of tried and tested communication and marketing methods (e.g. newsletters).

2 - ESTABLISH WORK RULES

Being a home-based sales assistant means being able to manage your schedule as you wish. But that doesn't mean you shouldn't set yourself rules!

Full-time or part-time home sales?

The first thing to do is to ask yourself whether you want to make home selling your main activity, or whether you want to start by part-time work, in addition to your usual job.

If you opt for the second option, find out internally whether it is possible to combine two activities, particularly if there are any restrictions in your employment contract. Take care not to compete with your company and, if you are currently working in a similar field, ask your manager if you have his or her agreement.

Next, find out about thevDI statusIn itself :

• Social protection ;
• Tax obligations ;
• Your rights and obligations ;
• The different types of status proposed;
• Administrative formalities.

Legally, self-employed salespeople generally have the status of self-entrepreneurs. This means that they are not salaried employees of the company that employs them. Setting up a micro-business is a fairly straightforward process, which can be completed quickly over the internet. It entitles you to social security cover and tax relief (you don't have to submit a balance sheet, for example).

H3: A few tips to help you find the right formula

Your heart is torn between working in home-based sales full-time or part-time. There are a few tips to help you make the right decision:

• Be objective and try toestimate how much time you can devote to your businesshome sales. It's not just about selling, it's also about taking the time to find new customers, prepare for meetings, plan trips and deliveries and maintain customer relations.

You also need to be organised efficiently by :

• Defining a working day;
• Setting time slots ;
• Making a note of all your appointments in your diary;
• Manage your customer database correctly;
• Creating reminders for your tax returns and other related activities.

It's vital that your project fits seamlessly into your daily life. This will make it easier for you to develop professionally, without disrupting your personal life.

3 - DEFINE THE PRODUCT YOU ARE GOING TO SELL AS A VDI

By becoming a VDI, you can work in a field that motivates you. So choose a product that speaks to you and that you're passionate about: fashion, childcare, IT, etc. Do some research and find out more about itinternet researchTo choose what you can promote as a home seller.

At Elora, the role of our sales advisers is to promote our various clothing collections. We offer styles that are both chic and original, in keeping with today's fashion codes. With a strong social and environmental commitment, we are proud to market a collection that is 75% eco-responsible.

4 - TEST THE PRODUCT

To validate your collaboration with a brand, there's nothing better than testing one or more products. This gives you the opportunity to check the quality and see if you like the products.

If love at first sight is confirmed, this can only be beneficial for the future. You'll be able to sell your products better because you'll like them.

Tip

To save money, you can also take part in the sales meetings of several brands that interest you. That way, you can see for yourself the quality of the products without necessarily buying them at the time. You can also take advantage of the opportunity to talk to the sales advisers.

5 - FIND A HOME SALES BUSINESS

Once you've found the product you want, you can look for the company that suits you best. You'll be representing a brand, so it has to suit you in almost every way.

Find out more about :

• Brand awareness;
• Types of contract and remuneration on offer;
• The product ranges presented ;
• Support and training for home-based sales assistants.

Starting a new business is a way of making more money at the end of the month. The level of remuneration is therefore an important factor to consider. At Elora, fashion consultants receive between 20% and 30% of the sales they make, plus a number of gifts and benefits. They even get bonuses if they have manager status.

6 - CREATE A CUSTOMER FILE

You're wondering how to succeed in direct home selling ? The answer from professional sellers is that it's essential to arm yourself with the right tools and to work your customer network well. That's why the customer file is an essential tool for all home-based sellers. If it is well informed and well used, it canhelp improve sales volumes. You'll get to know your customers better, and be able to improve communication with them and personalise sales.

Another advantage: thetime saving. If you have a question about your customers, you can consult your file.

The key information is as follows:

• Full name ;
• E-mail address ;
• Postal address ;
• Telephone number ;
• Date of birth ;
• Date of first contact ;
• Dates and locations of meetings attended by the customer ;
• Shopping list ;
• Average basket ;
• A notes area to record the particulars of each customer.

Good to know

When it comes to format, there's no need to complicate your life. An Excel file will do just fine.

7 - PREPARE FOR THE START OF YOUR BUSINESS

You've found out all you can about VDI status, you've defined your activity in advance and you've chosen the perfect company for you. Now you can prepare for the start of your business.

• 1- Start with yourself create a working environment that you enjoyand allows you to concentrate on your work: a closed office in your home, a corner in your bedroom, a coworking space..
• 2- There are many solutions, but the most important thing is to have a dedicated space where you feel comfortable and where you won't be easily distracted.
• 3- Also plan to work on your network from the outset. Let your family, friends and acquaintances know that you're starting home selling. That's how you'll get your first customers!
• 4- You can also create dedicated accounts on social networks, such as Facebook and Instagram, and use personal branding. We recently published an article on personal branding to help you develop your communications.

Your company will then be able to provide you with the appropriate training and help you develop your customer portfolio.

8 - YOUR FIRST HOME MEETINGS WITH ELORA

Advice to follow:

1- Going to meetings

Before organising any meetings, we strongly recommend that you attend one or more meetings organised by other Elora fashion consultants.

This will complement the training offered to you and enable you to familiarise yourself with the business. When you join the Elora network, you will be assigned an Elora network mentor. Her role will be to support you as you take your first steps as a VDI, to answer your questions and she will be present on the day of your first meeting to support you and give you some advice for subsequent meetings.

2- Training

Even if you think you've understood and remembered everything, take the time to practise speaking. The more you practise, the more at ease you'll feel in front of your first customers.

3- Optimal organisation

To avoid unpleasant surprises, leave nothing to chance and pay attention to the smallest details.

In particular, be sure to brief your hostesses beforehand on the reception requirements and the procedure.