One of the top criteria when looking for a direct sales company is the length of time they have been in business. One of the oldest companies out there is Watkins. They have been in business for over 130 years.

Started in 1868 by Joseph Ray Watkins, it was based on selling remedies for health ailments. Their product line expanded into items for the kitchen, including the product they are most famous for, Vanilla extract.

Offering start up packages that will fit every budget this can be a very economical company to join. Depending on your upline you may join a support team that offers extra training and experience. I have heard good things about the Summit Group.

Watkins sells products for the kitchen, the home and the medicine cabinet. Last year they introduced a line of environmentally friendly cleaning products. Their best sellers are Vanilla extract, Cinnamon, Pepper, Red Liniment, and Petro Carbo Salve. They also have a full line of nutritional supplements.

Pretty much everything in their line of over 300 products is consumable, meaning customers are more likely to reorder from you. It is also a company that appeals to both women and men.

Products can be ordered in one of four ways. They offer catalog ordering, a toll free hotline staffed by operators, and ordering online through their website. Products can also be directly ordered from the consultant and you would fulfill orders from your own inventory or by placing an order with the company. They even have a home party plan program designed to let people try before they buy.

There are a few downsides to the company. Despite its long history it may be difficult to find people that have heard of Watkins. To combat this, the company started a brand awareness program at various retailers around the country. They sell some of their most popular items at large chain stores to get the word out that Watkins is still around. There has been criticism by some consultants for this program.

Have you heard of Watkins? Are you consultant with the company? We would love to hear about your experiences!

Warmly,
Mia