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Vector Marketing Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Cutco Corporation, which has manufactured Cutco Cutlery in Olean, NY since 1949. Handcrafted of the finest materials, Cutco knives are American-made and all Cutco products carry a Forever Guarantee that protects the consumer's investment for generations.
Established in 1981, Vector Marketing Corporation is the sole distributor of Cutco. The company belongs to the Direct Selling Association (DSA), is a Better Business Bureau (BBB) Accredited Business, and strives to maintain the highest standards of integrity in all of our business practices.
What kind of work will my son/daughter be doing?
Sales representatives market Cutco products direct to consumers through one-on-one in-home appointments. A representative's primary activities include:
- Setting appointments with potential customers through personal contacts and referrals
- Presenting Cutco to prospective customers and writing up orders
- Reviewing performance, accomplishments, and questions with the office staff
- Attending team meetings and conferences to increase knowledge and productivity
Is the work done at the local office?
Vector has offices throughout the US and Canada that are owned and operated by a district manager, or a branch manager in the case of our summer offices. The manager conducts interviews, provides training, and holds sales meetings at the local office in addition to processing orders and handling administrative functions.
Sales representatives generally work independently, making calls to set up appointments and conducting presentations in the homes of prospective customers. They may choose to visit or call the office for support or advice, and normally stop by to drop off orders and attend meetings on a weekly basis.
What kind of training and support is provided?
Many people who work with us have little or no business experience, so our training is designed to cover the basics. Vector's initial training seminar is held over a 3-day period, for a total of 12-16 hours. While training is unpaid, most participants consider it to be a worthwhile experience and a productive use of their time. These sessions are designed to instill confidence in the trainee. Along with enhancing the interpersonal skills a new rep brings to the program, our training focuses on product knowledge and communication skills.
After this initial seminar, a variety of topics are covered in weekly meetings and periodic conferences, giving reps the chance to further develop their professional skills. Typically these meetings will address topics like:
- Building Rapport and Networking
- Time Management
- Financial Management
- Consumer Behavior
- Setting and Achieving Goals
Along with his/her management team, the office manager provides on-going development and professional guidance for new representatives. Because Vector has a strict promote from within policy, every member of the management team has "been there, done that." So, they are well suited to provide encouragement and support for new reps.
How do sales reps get started?
As with many businesses, representatives get started with people they know. It's a great start when family and friends agree to let the new representative practice the sales demonstration for them. In any new venture it's natural to be a little nervous, and we've found that support from family and friends really helps new representatives become successful.
The warm reception and constructive criticism you provide will make a big difference in future performance.
In training we teach reps how to get recommendations, so don't be surprised if you are asked! This is how representatives grow their business. Does this mean that within a short time reps will be meeting with people they don't know personally? Yes. Our recommendation program is based on a "friends of friends" approach which is quite effective. Reps learn how to qualify their leads and find out important information about prospects that optimizes the potential for a sale. This is a skill that is in very high demand in the business world. In addition, it allows reps to use their judgment about who they would like to see. Many reps have commented that this aspect of the sales program enhances both their confidence and sound judgment in unfamiliar situations.
Upon completion of training, representatives receive a fully refundable Cutco sample set that has a retail value of $607 ($429 Cdn). In exchange, the company asks for a security deposit of $139/$99 Cdn. (plus local tax where applicable). The deposit is first explained during the interview process. During training, the deposit is reviewed once more in order to ensure complete understanding.
The security deposit is refunded in full, at any point, when the samples are returned. Representatives may also choose to keep the samples for their personal use at no additional cost. The deposit is held and refunded by the corporation, not the local office.
Vector offers a base pay per appointment, whether or not the customer purchases. An appointment is designed to take about an hour. In order to qualify for the base pay, each appointment must be a one-on-one presentation to an employed individual or couple. The prospective customer must be at least 25 years of age. There is no minimum number of appointments or sales required to receive base pay. Base pay is paid weekly. To receive base pay, representatives must submit a Qualified Presentation Report each week to the local office.
Additional income is possible through commission on sales. Commissions from sales are paid weekly. Representatives are guaranteed to average at least the base pay for the appointments completed regardless of sales made. They will earn either the base pay, or commission, whichever is higher, but never both. This program enhances the confidence of a new representative while also providing the incentive and motivation of a higher potential income as they become more experienced.
What are Vector's expectations of sales representatives?
Reps are free to set their own schedules, make appointments around classes, and even take a break, and return at the same commission level. At the same time, there is an independence, accountability, and financial responsibility that this position demands. Reps are expected to:
- Keep the office informed of their weekly activities, through regular phone contact and attendance at team meetings.
- Submit a weekly Qualified Presentation Report to participate in the base pay program.
- Inform the office of any concerns regarding performance and expectations.
- Let their office manager know if they will be taking a semester off, or choose not to be active for a specific period of time.
- Inform the office if they decide to pursue other opportunities and let the manager know whether they will be keeping or returning their Cutco samples.
- Submit taxes according to local, state and federal regulations. This requires that they keep accurate records of their business expenses including but not limited to mileage, supplies, and related expenses.
Why are Vector sales reps independent contractors?
The independent contractor status is at the heart of a well-designed direct-selling business model. Rather than investing in advertising, direct selling companies depend on the representative to market the product. In turn, these representatives enjoy a flexible schedule in which they can earn an income based on their performance.
Cutco has been sold on a direct selling basis since the company's inception in 1949. Other industries that are based on an independent contractor relationship include real estate, insurance, and financial services.
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