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Original poster

Are there any Barefoot Books stallholders out there?

19 replies

TooTicky · 05/07/2006 21:02

It's something I'm considering but I'd like to know a bit more about the kind of people who do it - and whether I might be one of them!

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ThePrisoner · 05/07/2006 22:35

I've met one - does that count?

cazzybabs · 05/07/2006 22:40

I love their books if that counts???

Original poster
TooTicky · 05/07/2006 22:41

Stallholding by association? Hmm. What do you know about it? I'm not a "salesperson", not confident speaking to groups of people, but do like the books and want to earn some money. Don't know what to do and their website isn't informative enough.

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ThePrisoner · 06/07/2006 01:53

As a childminder, I am always on the lookout for books that are a little bit "different." I have bought lots of their books for just that reason - lots of stories from different countries (I think one of them taught us to count to ten in Swahili!) My minded children love them.

The lady selling them did not do a big sales patter to a group, but was very helpful and knowledgeable about what was available, and also understood the sort of thing I was looking for. She spoke to people individually, but only if they asked her. The second time I saw her, she remembered me and the books I was looking for, but not sure if she was just very clever, or whether I'd made a bad impression!!

I don't think any of that will be particularly helpful to you really!

Original poster
TooTicky · 06/07/2006 14:54

Thankyou thePrisoner, that is helpful. Sounds good - we like the books too, especially the ones about the bear.
Anybody else?

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Original poster
TooTicky · 06/07/2006 19:55

Bump.

OP posts:
jofeb04 · 06/07/2006 20:01

Hiya
I work for another company, sounds like it is a similar thing though (i.e, selling childrens books to anyone).
Im not a sales person, and generally go to mother and baby groups, nurserys and schools etc, and find that generally the books sell themselves iyswim.
HTh

Original poster
TooTicky · 06/07/2006 21:56

That sounds good. Perhaps I should try and find out if anybody's already doing it in my area

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jabberwocky · 06/07/2006 21:59

I really like their books and actually looked into this once, but the percentage didn't seem very high. I can't remember exactly what it was, but I think around 20%?

Original poster
TooTicky · 06/07/2006 22:07

I hadn't really thought about percentages in a practical kind of way. I sort of skimmed the numbery bits . I think I was just quite pleased to find something I could do with a little one in tow, plus I've just passed my driving test so transport not a problem any more. Hmmm..more thought needed I think.

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jabberwocky · 06/07/2006 22:55

Do they have Mary Kay in the UK? I believe they offer 50%. Body Shop does home sales too, but I don't know what their structure is like.

KateF · 06/07/2006 23:02

I'm just about to start with Barefoot Books. I plan to visit playgroups, day nurseries etc to start with. I love talking about books so think I'll enjoy it. Also, as you say TooTicky you can take a little one with you (dd3 is 23 months).

Original poster
TooTicky · 07/07/2006 11:35

I haven't heard of Mary Kay. I wouldn't do Body Shop because they are owned by evil L'Oreal now. Besides, my heart wouldn't be in it - I could only sell something I really care about.
Good luck Kate F! Let me know how it goes. I'm thinking if I do decide to do it, I'll wait until September (then I'll have three at school and one for company!)

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Fauve · 07/07/2006 11:42

TooTicky, some years ago, they used to have meetings for people who were thinking about stallholding, and regional team leadery type people. If they still do that, it would be worth getting in touch with your local team leader. I agree with everyone else, they are lovely books, and obviously you get the books yourself much cheaper. My dd is very fond of barefoot books, and I like them because they have all the right messages about self-esteem, sexual equality, eco stuff, etc.

Original poster
TooTicky · 07/07/2006 16:48

I wonder if they'd let me take dd2 along to a meeting? Dp can only just cope with looking after dd1, ds1 and ds2.

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jabberwocky · 07/07/2006 17:14

Found this about Mary Kary in case you want to check it out as well. I am not affiliated with the company in any way, btw. We studied it in one of our classes in business school and I was impressed with the structure.

Fauve · 07/07/2006 21:37

I would ask, TooTicky. Would seem a bit child unfriendly to say no, IMO!

Original poster
TooTicky · 07/07/2006 22:52

Thanks jabberwocky, not sure I could rave about this though, and I don't look the part (short and stumpy with a hint of tomboy!).
I think I will ask, Fauve. They SHOULD be nice child-friendly people, shouldn't they?

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Fauve · 07/07/2006 23:06

Yes, from my encounters with them they certainly are. I like them, and their books. Good luck!

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