You Need It, We Need It, Businesses Need It
This page has everything you need to know when considering a position as a County Merchant Sales Representative or Manager. Here you'll find what the County Merchant is all about. Considering a new career is nothing to sneeze at so we want you to have full disclosure up front. We know what it's like out there!
Okay, so you want to earn a decent living? So do we. The County Merchant offers you that opportunity. Being a representative of The County Merchant is like having your own small business and we offer a no nonsense method to do just that. If you qualify for the position and are willing to work full time then you can earn a solid income!
A short history lesson: When the economy took a downward turn a couple years ago, we changed our strategy. We've recently updated the County Merchant from a "coupons only" site to a full business directory. We have added web design and graphic art services. This has created better financial opportunity for the company as well lots of available jobs across the country for many deserving individuals, like you. We are just starting to hire sales representatives and managers so there's a good chance there is still an opening in your metropolitan area. Come help us build something great together!
With the economy struggling, many people have turned to business ownership, including many of your future clients. Right now, more than ever before, small businesses desperately need a reasonably priced, professional online presence. Small businesses DON'T WANT FRILLS, CONTRACTS OR HASSLE. They want customers. They want results. They want it CHEAP, EASY and RIGHT NOW!
We offer small businesses a leg up in the online world. After all, that’s where most of their customers start. Whether by using a business directory like The County Merchant or a Google search, most consumers save time and money by researching online before they ever head out in their cars. Unfortunately, many small businesses are overlooked because their online presence is lacking or non-existent. They are not online simply because they are too new, cash poor, strapped for time or simply lack the know-how to create their own online presence or graphics. The County Merchant offers these businesses inexpensive AND quality graphic art and web design services. For example, one of our POWER!! pages includes a full online page of information about your client's business, a custom designed logo, up to three professionally created printable coupons and a highly visible listing in The County Merchant directory. It’s AN ALL-IN-ONE PACKAGE FOR ONLY $14 a month. If they order through you, they will only pay $11 a month. It's a bargain.
A WIN - WIN - WIN Situation
We are NOT a multi-level marketing organization. In a nutshell, we are a retail business. You will sell business listings, graphic and web design services to small businesses in your area at a low retail price. You charge these merchants a very reasonable, one-time fee for a full year of service. NO LONG-TERM CONTRACTS. NO MONTHLY PAYMENTS. We are priced far below market especially for our graphic art services. Our rates are low enough that you can actually sell the service based on "bang for the buck". You don't need to have any web or design skills - just the ability to present the product/service to the client and answer any basic questions he or she may have. Your customer gives you information, files, text, etc. and pays for the services.
The County Merchant Art Team creates the logo, coupons and business listing. We upload all the information to The County Merchant Business Directory. You earn a commission for each business listing sold. Additionally, when your business clients renew at the end of the year, YOU RECEIVE RENEWAL INCOME as long as you are an active sales representative.
As a County Merchant Sales Representative, you will be expected to concentrate your sales in your metropolitan area, but you have the option of selling in any area of the country you choose via internet advertising, mailers or direct marketing.
You get paid. We get paid. Merchants get results! It's a WIN - WIN - WIN situation.
Sales Representative or Manager?
All sales representatives with The County Merchant carry the title of Sales Manager. The reason is simple. For everything from organization to motivation, you must manage yourself. You are responsible for the timeliness of your sales reports, developing your own sales presentation, following up with your clients and making sound decisions on the fly. You truly are more than just a representative. Once your have proven your management skills, you may be promoted to regional sales manager and oversee up to 8 US states.
Commission Only?
Most people hate the concept of a commission only position because it seems risky. We're not here to blow fairy dust on you and convince you that you'll be a millionaire in 3 months. This is not the job for everyone and we won't hire just anyone. We can only promise you that if you learn the product and visit clients every weekday you will earn a decent living. The County Merchant offers a quality and much needed service for the small businessman.
Some Requirements
Must Haves:
It is essential that you have or can develop good selling skills and are a strong self-starter. The County Merchant will provide you with all the product knowledge necessary, but offers no formal sales training. It will be up to you to develop a short presentation for your clients. You must also possess excellent verbal skills, professional demeanor and grooming, intermediate computer and internet skills, reliable transportation, organizational skills, cell phone, checking or PayPal account, computer with internet connection and a printer.
Good to Haves:
If you have a laptop, you will be able to show clients The County Merchant website and have immediate access to the online order forms. This is a huge benefit. You also have the option of ordering for your client right from any smart phone. Having a scanner will make it easier to send images to the County Merchant if your customer does not have digital images. If you carry a small flash drive you will be able to save text and digital images directly from your clients' computers as well as leave them digital copies of necessary order forms.
Fees:
If any company charges you an upfront fee to start...RUN FAST! There are, however, small out-of-pocket expenses you will incur. You will need to print documents from your computer (brochures, receipts, etc). You pay your own transportation expenses and occasionally mail documents and checks to The County Merchant office. The expenses are minimal, but they do exist. They are all tax deductible.
How Do I Get Started?
To get started, you fill out a short application form telling us a little about yourself. If qualified, you will be interviewed by phone and instructed about next steps. Remember: We don't make money unless you make money! You will not be on your own unless you want to be.
Okay, I'm ready to FILL OUT THE CAREER APPLICATION