PRODUCT DEMONSTRATOR

If you like hands-on activities, and if you like the notion of selling things to people, you may want to try working as a product demonstrator. You've probably seen demonstrators at work. At home shows, they demonstrate blenders, jewelry cleaners, and vacuum cleaners. At the grocery store, they offer new kinds of food. Basically, demonstrators show new products to the public, answer their questions, and try to get them to buy.

A demonstrator starts the day by setting up his or her display and making sure the area is clean and will attract customers. As customers come by, the demonstrator shows what the product can do or offers food samples. The demonstrator may also give out coupons, discount tickets, rebate offers, and brochures about the product. Often demonstrators use visual aids, such as charts, survey results, slides, or videos, to promote the product.

The demonstrator must be thoroughly familiar with the product. The goal is to show the customer that the product is easy to use and will be of real use in the kitchen or the house. Food promoters show customers that the food is easy to prepare and that it tastes better than similar foods on the market. Cosmetic demonstrators may give customers makeovers using the company's products. Demonstrators are expected to give the customers detailed information and to answer questions about the product. Demonstrators try to get the names of prospective buyers so they can follow up with them after the show. Many times this is done by offering a drawing or raffle, which requires the customer to fill out a form with his or her name and phone number.

The demonstrator's job isn't over when the show or the store closes. Demonstrators keep records of the number of coupons and samples given away. They write down approximately how many people they talked with, the questions asked, and details such as the weather (a blizzard would mean fewer customers than a nice spring day). These records help them improve their presentations. Demonstrators clean up their area and take down the display. Food demonstrators may have to bring their own tables, tablecloths, cooking equipment, and utensils.

Demonstrators work in a variety of locations in every part of the country. These might include department stores, grocery stores, shopping malls, convention centers, outdoor fairs, and the backs of trucks. They are on their feet for long periods of time and have to carry heavy loads to set up and dismantle the displays. Demonstrators often work evenings and weekends. Some may travel frequently. Most of the work is part-time and temporary. Demonstrators like the challenge of meeting new people and convincing them to buy a product.