Today we review a company that has gotten a lot of attention from web searches over the past few years: Vector Marketing. We've taken a look at their Glassdoor profile and will give you the information you need to decide if this company is right for you.
Vector marketing is often referred to as a 'scam' by many people on the internet and elsewhere, but is this actually the case? They usually tout a base pay of at least $14 and advertise heavily around college campus, which usually leads to plenty of suspicion. That perception may not be so accurate, however.
Yes, Vector Marketing is first and foremost a sales position, which is a term that immediately makes many people cringe and is no doubt one of the reasons why people are so hesitant to work for this company. Sales is definitely not for everyone, but if it is showmanship and persuasion are your cup of tea, than this could be a solid first job for you.
For starters, there is no cold calling or door-to-door sales involved, as you either are in contact with those you know or those who are referred to you by the company. The $14 base pay is what you are guaranteed as for each appointment (product demonstration) that you make. The demonstrations are usually done in a potential client's home, and last a little over an hour on average. During the demonstration you will show off the abilities of their brand Cutco line of knives and other utensils.
Many people have indicated that you will only get out of this job what you put in, but if you make the effort to network with a lot of people and perfect your craft, than you will likely make a nice amount of money while learning the craft of sales. A review of 13 sales representatives stated their average salaries were between $7 and $25 an hour, with the average of all of the salaries at $13.71 and hour.
Below we have listed four randomly selected reviews of Vector Marketing so that you can get a better idea of what their employees think about the company:
"Worthwhile experience" -5 Stars
Current Assistant Manager in Lebanon, NJ - Reviewed Mar 16, 2013
Pros - Interviewers are very interested in what I did with Vector.
I got more experience then working at the usual summer jobs.
Learned to communicate.
If you stick with it, it is very rewarding in the long run.
Cons - You are going to work more than you friends do during the summer if you want to succeed.
The interview and advertisement for the job can be misleading.
You have to start by selling to your family and friends. (after that it is okay)
Advice to Senior Management - Do not mislead potential employees. Don't BS what has to be done. This job is a lot of hard work, but very rewarding
"Great company to work for." -5 Stars
Former Employee - Reviewed Feb 17, 2013
Pros - Really, everything is great. Everyone at Vector wants to see you succeed. You really get out of it what you put into it.
Cons - I can't think of any.
Advice to Senior Management - VALUE YOUR RECEPTIONISTS. Also, receptionist managers are a genius idea. Let them handle the scheduling, the goals, and the hiring. You focus on sales. ;)
"Fun and demanding, recommended for improving communication." -3 Stars
Former Sales Representative in Longview, TX - Reviewed Jan 23, 2013
Pros - Flexible for college students only.
Cons - Pay and travel not worth it
Advice to Senior Management - Be honest and helpful.
"Misrepresents Itself, Cons Students & Young Adults" -1 Star
Former Sales Associate in Greenville, SC - Reviewed Jan 25, 2013
Pros - 70% employee discount on Cutco is nice; Direct sales training is realistic and useful. If you are looking for a super-flexible sales job for something people might actually want, here you go.
Cons - Perhaps it was just the branch I worked with, but I absolutely felt I was being used for my personal contacts and there was no support for me as a relative newcomer to the area. It seemed I was useless to the company without a huge number of local, middle-aged, married couples who've known me since I was in diapers and whom I could make sad puppy eyes to while reciting the sales pitch.
Advice to Senior Management - I realize this is the formula that works, but you're missing out on opportunities for motivated, ambitious, young adults to work for your company if they can only start out selling to personal contacts
