Young adults on traveling sales crews have a great experience that gives them real skills for real life. Interpersonal relations, money management, sales tactics, and adaptability are all indicators of success. These motivated individuals see the country, get to know how people live in different areas, and make lifelong friends. All this and a paycheck too! Obviously parents have concerns whenever their kids grow up and leave home so here is some information for you to have peace of mind while your kids get an adventure and education.
Most reputable traveling sales organizations are completely professional and adhere to strict ethical standards. The first and best step a parent can take is to get to know the company. Find out who the manager is and talk to them. Professionals are easily identifiable by the way they conduct themselves. If you don’t get an impression that the manager you are contacting is a business oriented person with concern for his or her staff, advise your son or daughter to go with someone else and them help them find a professional. Next, check out the company by seeing if they have any recognized certifications or memberships in industry organizations. If you are looking for a professional organization, this is the place to start.
Do not under any circumstances allow your minor child to join a traveling sales crew. This is a potentially dangerous situation. If you have a minor child who you suspect is on a traveling sales crew, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has resources to help. If you are aware of a company employing minors, report that company to either the Direct Selling Association or the National Field Selling Association (NFSA).
Keep in contact with your young adults so you know where they are. Just like new college students, the excitement, hard work, and new sense of independence may make keeping contact with their parents a lower priority for them than you. Rest assured, they still love you and want to know that the folks are back home thinking about them. Check out our traveling sales crews FAQ if you have more questions.
Professional Traveling Sales Organizations:
The primary and most ethical companies are members of either the NFSA or the Direct Selling Association or both. These industry groups are quite effective at sharing best practices, assisting member companies, monitoring activities, and enforcing industry standards. Both organizations have stringent policies regarding ethics. In addition the NFSA has credentialed the Certified Field Selling Program, a professional certification that includes initial training, background checks, strict adherance to the NFSA Ethics Policy, and continuing education in traveling sales. The three designations are Certified Field Selling Associate (CFSA), Certified Field Selling Manager (CFSM), and Certified Field Selling Instructor (CFSI).
Traveling Sales Offers Real Life Experience
Article: Traveling Sales Offers Real Life Experiences
Author: CrewChief