Newspaper Articles

Jeff Burton of Utah State University shares his research into the summer sales industry. He describes the potential earnings of summer sales representatives, while urging interested students to proceed with caution.

They promise you the world. As students walk down the main hallway in the Taggart Student Center on the campus of Utah State University they are promised amazing amounts of money in just three months time.

These promises come from representatives of summer sales programs, who claim to have made amounts of money with the company. They range anywhere from pest control to security systems, but no matter what the product, they promise to make you filthy rich. So, is there any truth in their promises?

By Clint Merrick

October 18, 2007|--It is 9 a.m. on a Saturday in an outskirt town of Minneapolis, and it is uncomfortably quiet. It is quiet because people are still in bed. Clark Lind steps out of a car filled with four other summer salesmen from Utah, all dressed in khaki shorts and matching polo shirts. The first door is knocked, opened and shut with few words exchanged. This routine will continue for close to 12 hours on a typical day working for American Alarm.

"The only thing that keeps you going is a positive mindset, which is harder than you would think to keep," Lind said.

Summer jobs aren't all a scam
JACOB BORG
Guest Opinion
Issue date: 3/1/07 Section: Opinion

My name is Jacob Borg; I graduated from Boise State's school of business in 2002. I have a few concerns in reference to the article written recently by Richard Rapp titled, "Students lured into scam jobs." I know nothing about Mr. Rapp and his personal experience working with employers that recruit and hire students from BSU.

Read this to get a glimpse into the life of summer sales. This article comes from the east coast which most wouldn't think of as a recruiting location for summer sales. Take a look at the article, it may help to shed some light on the summer sales industry.

Summer Sales Jobs: 'You Get What You Put Into It'
By Lauren B. Johnston , New York University

Today, a new breed of college students in sales is blasting the old traveling salesman stereotype away. The realm of door-to-door retail has now become one of the most lucrative summer employment opportunities around.

This article was posted on the BYU Newspaper's website. It maybe stuff that's just common sense to some people. However, when faced with decisions it can be easy to forget or over look important aspects. Take a quick look it may prove useful in looking for a job doing summer sales.

Questions to Ask Before Agreeing to Summer Sales
By Scott Hathaway - 4 Mar 2008

What is the company's track record?
Find out how many years the company has been in business. Several start-up companies are willing to offer more money, but reps may sell less because of the new organization. Ask people to recommend companies they have worked for in the past. Visit the Better Business Bureau's Web site at www.bbb.org, to see the company's record.

What are the management and team like?
One of the greatest contributors to your success will be your team. Make sure the manager or team leader is eager and capable of giving quality training. Be careful the team is not too big for just one leader. Be sure your team follows your ethical values and is dedicated to working the entire summer.

By Alicia Greenleigh
Daily Utah Chronicle (U. Utah)
03/27/2006

(U-WIRE) SALT LAKE CITY — Door-to-door sales companies recruit
university students with promises of big money; while huge paychecks are possible, there are things students should know before signing up.

Companies selling home security alarms or pest control contracts focus recruitment on college campuses.

Job advertisements state "Thousands of dollars in only three months" and "$500 just for signing up!!!" Information meetings often offer free pizza and movie tickets.