Avon has many thousands of representatives around the world selling its cosmetics. Most of the 'Avon ladies' (and many men!) sell in their spare-time, although there is now an increasing number who work at their business full time.

We have interviewed several Avon representatives to find out how they have built up their Avon business. Their experiences may help you to decide whether you would benefit from joining an Avon team.

This week we are speaking to a man! Dave Carter is 31 and lives in Sunderland, UK.

Q: Dave, why did you join Avon?

A: My partner Debbie joined first, about 18 months ago. I had been selling another MLM company's products but I hadn't been very successful. I like the idea of network marketing, also known as multi-level marketing, and I could see the potential; but it just wasn't working for me. Then Avon started network marketing here in the UK about 2 years ago and getting in on the ground floor seemed attractive. I never dreamt I would succeed as well as I have.

Q: You say you have succeeded, how well have you done?

A: I don't want to be too specific about the money, but to give you an idea, I achieved the top commission level just before Christmas! Debbie and I run separate teams and she should join me on the top level soon.

Q: That's great. You must be enjoying the job to reach the top level in such a short time.

A: I really enjoy it. Although most of my team of nearly 100 is within 40-50 miles, I also travel, especially to meet potential sales leaders. I love being my own boss and don't think I could go back to working for someone else.

Q: So you think it's best to actually meet the members of your team?

A: It's one of Avon's rules: I have to meet the potential recruit face to face. We aren't allowed to sign up people by phone.

Q: How do you manage to recruit so many people, especially if some of them are a long way from you?

A: I have a website and receive a lot of enquiries from visitors to the site. I then either arrange to meet the person myself, or I pass the enquiry to one of my sales leaders. If I don't have a sales leader nearby I know other people with Avon businesses in other parts of the country and we swap leads.

Q: So I guess you would recommend others to join Avon?

A: I certainly would. I should point out that you wouldnt be joining Avon as such: each one of us is a self-employed representative and we are not employed by the company. But anyone wanting to earn a few pounds each week by delivering the brochures and then collecting orders is very welcome. Or you can really build a great business like me by recruiting representatives and sales leaders who, in turn, will themselves recruit representatives. If you have a job now but dont enjoy it, start part-time then build up the business until the income from that is enough to pay all your bills. Then you can sack your boss and work full-time for yourself!

Thank you Dave, best wishes for the future. It looks bright.