So you’ve arrived in Australia and can’t find a job? Don’t book those tickets back home just yet. The beauty of working in the direct sales market is that you can take the job with you as you travel.
So not only will the job be flexible, it will be a benefit as you will be reaching a number of different markets as you travel. To be good at direct selling you basically need to have the ability to natter away to anyone with a gentle hint of persuasion thrown in.
Phoenix Trading is one company offering backpackers the chance to earn this type of flexible income. They sell greeting cards and stationary for a fraction of general retail charges.
Work as you go “Basically once you join up, you will be equipped with a business you can take with you on your travels,” says Sales Director for Phoenix Trading, Karen Lewis. “Because [Australia] is one of the biggest card sending nations, there is real potential to make money.”
But how do you sell this product? One way is to distribute catalogues to local businesses. Call back one week later, collect the order and just order the stock online. This means you don’t have to invest any money before you receive an order. You can also organise “card parties” in your hostel or house. The beauty of these is that because the cards are so cheap, it is likely that everyone at the party will buy at least one card and you will pocket 30 per cent of all sales, after deducting your buying costs. Happy days. “This type of job will really suit someone who is prepared to get out there and start telling everyone they meet about their business.”
AN INTERVIEW WITH… SALES REP
Heather, 23 from England
What made you decide to work in Australia?
To escape the monotony and boredom back home – and to corrupt another country.
How did you get the job?
I called up the appealing advert and started the next day. Easy!
What do you do now?
I’m a sales representative.
Any good stories to tell about your new job?
There are too many! Every day something random happens, we’re usually laughing at someone else’s expense…
What are you planning to do with the money you earn from this job?
Save up for a retro vespa and a swank batchelorette apartment – although that will probably take ages as I have a tendency to blow my wages on partying.
Where have you travelled so far, and where are you heading next?
I’ve done the east coast, Darwin, Melbourne and a few random villages. I don’t intend on going anywhere next. I’m having too much of a good time in Sydney.
