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hsimpsonjr
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Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 593
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2007 10:32 � Edited by: hsimpsonjr
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Hi everyone,
several of my members have been asked this question in the last couple of days so I want to post this here on the forum for everyone to see.
Coastal Vacations independent reps sell VACATION PACKAGES that include a lifetime membership to the "club". You also have the option to sell the packages if you want to do so. We are selling the package with the option to sell. We do not sell the option to sell so we are completely unaffected by the law that says you must offer someone the option of the bizop without buying the product. Coastal has been around as a homebusiness for over 13 years so I think it's safe to say that we have passed this test. MANY other companies have not and are now gone because of this law. When you get into Coastal you are buying the Coastal Vacations package at the level of your choice which are all valued WAY above the rate you are paying. You decide if you want to work Coastal as a business yourself. You are not required to work the business. It's totally up to you.
There are some who want to join and just sell the packages without buying one but why would you do that? If you can't offer that person a testimony about using the package or offer the person help with growing their business, if they decide to work it that way, without buying and using the package? That seems totally backwards to me. It is totally against the rules set up by the Board of Directors also.
So, bottom line is, NO, you can't sell Coastal Vacations without buying a package.
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ibizniz
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Joined: 13 Mar 2007
Posts: 258
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2007 12:52
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Hello
actually you can join without purchasing a package.
If you look on the vacationpower website you will see an option where a person can join as an associate giving up 3 sales, which includes one extra in lieu of their own.
Saying that, it is so much more difficult to sell something if you do now have it to refer to.
Generally the less you have invested in a business, the less you do to get it up and running and so become successful.
As a rule of thumb, if a person joins at the premier level, he/she is more likely to bring in sales at that level.
I have had over 30 people join with the 3 up system, but only about 5 made it.
Many directors offer a payment plan, which is superior to giving up 3 sales. Out of all the many that came into coastal under me using a split payment method, less than 10 I would say, made only a few payments and dropped the program.
So if there is a will there is a way.
Hope this helps
Maria Porter
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hsimpsonjr
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Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 593
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2007 13:08
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Mi Maria,
it is my understanding that the BOD doesn't endorse this method and discourages anyone from joining that way. I look at it like this. If a person or team is willing to let a person join without buying a package than that is basically in the same line as letting a person buy a fake director's release from e-bay. I do understand that each person runs their business as they see fit but I also think that allowing a person to join without buying a package which is against the rules of the BOD, will only hurt your business. Will this person be telling everyone they recruit that they should join that way also? In my opinion it can only be a problem for your business and, as you just documented, the success rate is not to good. I am surprised that Vacation Power would sign people up that way.
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luvtravel
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Joined: 11 Dec 2006
Posts: 772
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# Posted: 18 Apr 2007 16:49
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Quoting: ibizniz have had over 30 people join with the 3 up system, but only about 5 made it.
By 5 "made it" do you mean only 5 were able to pass up the 3 sales?
The rest never sold any packages?
Terri
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ibizniz
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Joined: 13 Mar 2007
Posts: 258
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2007 02:00
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Hello Terri
it is difficult to do any business if you don't have the product and also the mentality is different. If you put little into a business I have to say you will get little out.
yes about 5 managed to get their package and release by passing up the 3 sales, most of the rest never did anything but express a wish to have an opportunity to try....so I gave them one.
I am not saying that 30 worked full time and did not succeed, most people if they set their mind to doing something will succeed, but you have to have that internal drive to want to do so.
I hope this clarifies your question.
And hsimpsonjr the BOD does not frown on you giving someone a chance. It is nothing like giving a fake directors release. These people worked hard and passed up an extra sale in lieu of their own
which was rewarded with a package for their own use, and no, they do not bring on thousands of people for free. They are no different then a person coming into coastal with a purchase. The only difference I make between them and someone who has purchased a membership is that I do not give them the free websites, leads and marketing materials that I give to my new members until they have passed up their first sale, for obvious reasons.
There is absolutely nothing wrong with helping people if they want to succeed. I do not only help people just because they pay me. I can put you in touch with so many orphans that I adopted on to my team and I have never received a penny for helping them.
I am very suprised that you were suprised that vacationpower has this on their sign up page.
I find it so rewarding when people succeed and reach their goals. However I am not a charitable institution but if I feel that someone honestly wants to join and it is the money that is stopping them but they have the resources for basic advertising and website setup, why would I say no to helping them?
I do have those who try it on, who have purchased releases and then want my help gratis to train them... having been in coastal for nearly 6 yrs now I am able to smell out the story tellers ... but that is a story for another day.
cheers
Maria
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luvtravel
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Joined: 11 Dec 2006
Posts: 772
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2007 07:13
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Thanks Maria, you make some good points and I must say I enjoyed reading your post.
As you said it isn't giving fake releases, it's thinking outside the box and as a business person we have to do that at times.
The only question I would have regarding this concept is, is it legal?
Personally it isn't something I would attempt. I am looking for those who not only want to be business partners but are looking to do joint ventures as I have tons of outlets, tons of ideas, etc etc.
But it has to be someone who shares my vision, and can contribute fresh ideas.
I can't be at all places at all times I am finding. 
Interesting thread.
Terri
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decker2006
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Joined: 6 Jan 2007
Posts: 222
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2007 09:07
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The upside of only offering the opportunity the traditional way (buy package and pass up 2 sales) it that the WORST thing that could happen to someone if the business does not work out is that they are left with a fabulous lifetime travel membership. At least they are left with something.
As for passing up 3 sales, what would happen if they passed up one or two sales (plus all of their pass ups, etc) then for whatever reason could not continue? They would be left with absolutely nothing.
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hsimpsonjr
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Joined: 16 Dec 2006
Posts: 593
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2007 10:04
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This is another great reason to look at our entry level program through the call center. You get a GREAT travel package with online booking and you can earn money to put towards joining Coastal Vacations as you learn how to market.
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rsmelt40
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Joined: 26 Apr 2007
Posts: 1
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2007 10:47
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Hey there,
Been looking at Coastal for several months now, Have had a history of 'Bad experiences' with home-based business of my own, but see that Coastal has great potential also...I haven't heard of the entry level program, am way short on spendable money, am really promoting this travel opportunity for a director in my area, but have had no good results, and have found that I cannot continue this way--something needs to happen! Can you give me some ideas for success?
Thanks,
scott
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matiasmommy
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Joined: 12 Mar 2007
Posts: 346
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2007 22:16
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CSG has an entry level program as well. I know of several directors, self included who will also offer 3 ups to serious people as well as flexible personalized payment plans.
Bottom line is, there are LOTS of options out there.. and those with the will to succeed WILL do so and find a way. Nothing worth having ever came easily, and bottom line- what you do not have in money you will have to invest in time, energy, determination and resourcefulness.
I don't think, having been there- that lack of funds is a barrier to starting up ones business. BUT, I do expect to see a serious and positive attitude. Its OK to be broke, but a crime to be broke minded. I will give people my all, but they DO need to make the same commitment back. I can't be any more serious about their business and personal success then they are.
Looking at many of the top producers in this business, I see that people with financial problems when starting this business are at a tremendous advantage. They have a very GOOD reason to do whatever it takes, and seize their success. So, I don't see the point of turning people away. I'd rather have a seriously committed broke person then a well heeled here today, gone tomorrow.
That said, I have had people I've offered the 3-up option to NOT follow through. So, its really a matter of seeing them PUT FORTH the effort and TRY, ask questions etc etc before I will even make them that option now.
WOW! What a great thread guys!
Jani Teeter
L3 Director, CSG
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hsimpsonjr
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# Posted: 26 Apr 2007 22:53
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Jani,
when you offer someone a 3 up when do they get their travel package? Is it after their pass up sales or do you go ahead and give them the package up front. How do you work it out. Also, is the three up in place of any payment up front or do you charge them a lesser fee for the start up?
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goldmills
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Joined: 3 Apr 2007
Posts: 183
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# Posted: 27 Apr 2007 00:33
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We made vacation power with the join under me, work for hire mentality, so a rep could sign up a person and leverage that website which would hopefully roll up sales to the director, for qualifying.
It was a great and bold move. I personally took every member I had, who had no money and pushed them into Vacation Power to learn the system, test their prowess and see if they had the mojo to keep up with it.
Out of the many many people I did this with, not one roll up a sale.
Personally, I turn all people with money issues away, not to be mean, but I just cannot spend my time with them, knowing they will quite, steal all my secrets and ultimately in the end, suck my time dry, while hindering me from spending time with those who paid me $1000's to teach and train them.
The only people I take, are people resourceful enough to find a way to come up with the money.
I looks harsh in print, but this is the path I have chosen, maybe 2 years ago I would have felt different, not knowing what I see happening now.
But financial committment means a member will at least do some work, while no financial commitment means they can bail anytime and just stop and all in my case eventually just quite. No risk of losing anything, but time.
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joesosa
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Joined: 17 Jan 2007
Posts: 36
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# Posted: 27 Apr 2007 08:25
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Hi friends,
Every case is different and what works for some won't work for others, nevertheless it's OK to ask for opinions as to "how do you do this, or that" that way you take all that info, then follow your mixture of gut/experience and you ACT.
In sales, three things for success: You gotta have mainly EMPATHY (ability tu put yourself in the other person's shoes), EGO DRIVE (you persist!-following your good training) and when necessary you gotta have PRODUCT KNOWLEDGE! (a must in Coastal)
I was about to join Coastal (still am for sure!) only a few days ago
I was offered a verrry good deal by an L3, with years experienced/knowledge Director, but didn't take it.
Why?, my gut/experience told me NO!...
Once, I took an unemployed, broke, candidate in my previous business (intangibles), my gut told me "this guy will make tons of money for you!, just train the heck out of him!...I hired him (gave him salary, commission, lots of training-as an investment) and he did it! tons of money! (as a salesman and eventually as my sales manager)... he was not the only one to succeed this way. To this day I feel proud of these persons that made it!
I also gave opportunities to others but some were, well, noy quite success material.
So, you win some and you lose some but what counts is the bottom line.
If the scale tilts towards the winners as against the loosers you make money. And THAT is the name of the game. In business no matter how much fun or hard ships you have, the best reward is that big proud smile in your accountant's face at the end of the period! . Period!.
I wish you all much, much empathy and ego drive!
Regards!
Joe.
[email protected]
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matiasmommy
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Joined: 12 Mar 2007
Posts: 346
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# Posted: 27 Apr 2007 09:05
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Well, there are several things that I can do.. I first expect the person in question to show their seriousness by walking through the system completely, and putting things in place for themselves training and resource wise. I expect to see that person TRYING to find a way.
There are some exceptional people that are broke BEYOND broke. There have been homeless people join this business that have worked harder but been successful. If someone shows me that spirit, I have a plan to actually buy them into the business. L1 package, MAC system and leads.
BUT, what they do not have in money (and most people can and SHOULD come up with at least part of it, I agree with you Jeff) they MUST be willing to make up for in time, desire, drive and determination.
Its NOT for everyone, and not everyone can handle it. But, it will give the serious contenders a chance, and a more then fair shot at it. IF they are willing to DO the work.
At any rate, this is not something that I will even discuss with people until they show me their grit. Which means, they must show me that they are coachable, serious and motivated and come back to me and say, something along the lines of I really want and need this opportunity and I have tried to come up with the money, I've managed to get $x together, it's killing me that I don't have a way to get more, can you HELP me?
In the GREAT majority of cases its not necessary to use this option, usually when people say they don't have or can't find the money (and in the great scale of things this is a VERY small amount of money to start ANY business, let alone a very lucrative and quickly profitable one) it speaks to their LACK of not money but of faith and confidence in their own abilities. Rather along the lines of the individual that HAS the money but comes in at level 1 just to "try" it.
Hope that sheds light!
Cheers
Jani Teeter
L3 Director, CSG
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wealthmentor
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Joined: 23 Apr 2007
Posts: 10
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# Posted: 27 Apr 2007 16:55
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Quoting: goldmills But financial committment means a member will at least do some work, while no financial commitment means they can bail anytime and just stop
I have to agree with this assessment. I think that
it is a very good point. When someone has money
in something, they are more committed. Those are
the serious ones that you want to work with.
This is an important lesson to learn in your business.
Dedicated To Your Success,
Joseph Parton
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ibizniz
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Joined: 13 Mar 2007
Posts: 258
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# Posted: 29 Apr 2007 14:41
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Hello guys
answering your comment Terri, yes it's legal to help someone come in with 3 sales.
I am not sure why all these legal questions have surfaced all of a sudden, especially as we do not sign a contract with coastal and coastal is not a company anyway. There are guidelines which we should all follow, but offering payment plans, creative financing and the options of giving up an extra sale etc is not illegal. Taking money and not providing the product or service that you have promised, now that's illegal.
If you look at some of the laws pertaining to home business in certain states it might be in your best interest to offer an entry level under $350 anyway.
Those who are offering releases with no product for many thousands of dollars are the ones who should be worried.
If a person comes in with the 3 to get their package system, and pass up 2 sales, they would have already received my welcome package, leads and websites, plus if I can see that they have tried, I will give them the option to purchase their package at a reduced rate.
I do try to work with everyone so long as they are for real.
I am not just after making only myself wealthy, that is why I spend so much time upgrading all my training materials every week. I am a trained physical therapist, I have spent over 20 yrs training people and showing them what to do in the shortest amount of time and I suppose those traits have continued into my coastal business.
You can run your business as you like with coastal, that is the beauty of coastal vacations and also some of its cons.
Hope this helps
Maria
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matiasmommy
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# Posted: 29 Apr 2007 16:29
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Maria!
God bless you, I just love your posts! You ROCK!
Thanks for all you are and all you do..
Jani Teeter
L3 Director, CSG
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ibizniz
Member
Joined: 13 Mar 2007
Posts: 258
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# Posted: 29 Apr 2007 19:24
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Thanks Jani
I need all the blessings I can get
same to you
Cheers
maria
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jnapier
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Posts: 647
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# Posted: 30 Apr 2007 10:33
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Quoting: hsimpsonjr it is my understanding that the BOD doesn't endorse this method and discourages anyone from joining that way.
It's your business to do as you please.....IF you want a group of people who do nothing, then go for it.
I learned at one of the earlies Coastal Seminars that is not a good idea to do it and because of past experiences, have chosen not to. I've found that SERIOUS people want to own the membership.
Jay NaPier
Level 3 Director/ Master Trainer
Coastal Vacations
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ibizniz
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Posts: 258
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# Posted: 30 Apr 2007 12:32
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Hello Jay
I think people are misreading my post.
99% of the people who come into coastal with me, do purchase packages, afterall I am in the business of making money and make a good six fig doing so.
I do not encourage people to come in and pass up 3 sales, afterall it takes so much of my time training people.
But I do offer it to those who show me that they really do want to join and have no other option. Especially if they only have money for advertising.
The last worker bee, 3 and free was a couple of months ago....so it is not a normal occurance. Believe it or not, most people want the packages and they realize that it is easier to sell something if they have invested in themselves plus have the package for reference, never mind using it for their travel needs.
I think people reading this post think I get everyone in for free, that is not the case. But I would not turn a person away just because I wasn't going to make some money upfront.
Just to put a cap on this subject
hope this helps
maria
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jlDunn
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Posts: 122
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# Posted: 2 May 2007 13:22
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This is a great post!
It is nice to see that each have something UNIQUE to offer to the business, and that is what each of us are.....I am fairly new to the business, and am still working my butt off to success, but it is coming!!
I found this post very informative, good to know that everyone has an idea, even if others don't share that opinion....with each of us being in business for ourselves, I guess we all get to decide how we run our business, no matter how the others are doing it!
If it is working for you, then great.....I can see it as a great offer for people, I am just chicken I guess.....
I also believe that people who see this is going to work, whether they have money or not, can work it too.....Not something I have tried with my business, but something I can defintely see both sides too.
I can say that you may not loose anything, but the time you invest in a person...if they quit...and everything to gain if they are successful, so as the saying goes - What have you got to loose?
I guess I am mostly just thinking "out loud"
Hope others are getting as much out of this as I am!
Lindsay
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hsimpsonjr
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# Posted: 4 May 2007 14:34
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I guess the point I wanted to get across was that the Call Center does not do this so says the owner, Hoyt and the BOD does not approve of this and I personally think that it is more detrimental than positive to let someone come in without buying the package unless it's done with something like the call center's Entry Level Program that is a separate travel package that has some REALLY good benefits. This way they do spend at least $795 and get the website and have some motivation to work the business and the new member and the director get benefits for it.
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matiasmommy
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# Posted: 7 May 2007 12:20
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Quoting: hsimpsonjr I personally think that it is more detrimental than positive to let someone come in without buying the package
You are RIGHT, Harold.. with the WRONG person it can be more detrimental then harmful. Then again, I don't get the impression that anyone here is advocating or sugesting letting people get started without some financial investment and a LOT of honest effort and resourcefullness!
I'm a bit passionate about this.. I was really VERY broke before I started my business. Granted, I did my homework and worked very HARD to find a way and DID at day's end come in at platinum. I do see value in owning the package- THAT is the POINT! However, there are people out there that have tried every which way and simply can't manage the full amount up front. If they TRY and DO put themselves into it for real- Like Maria, I will stand behind them. BUT that doesn't mean join my team and not invest whatever you can- and YES that usually does mean reasonable sacrifice for the long term gain.
Cheers
Jani Teeter
L3 Director, CSG
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ibizniz
Member
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Posts: 258
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# Posted: 7 May 2007 17:19
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Hello Harold
I think I have already said enough about this issue, but if we are to be picky, the BOD also frowns on a person not handing up 2 sales at the level they join at and all the levels below.
Yet the call center with Hoyt will allow you to keep all your Entry and Level I sales if you come in at the Premier Level, and all your entry sales, level I sales and Level II sales if you come in at the Platinum level. I personally like this option given by Hoyt. But if you want to play by the rules Harold, maybe you should demand the 2 sales at each level.
As you can see there is room for maneuvering. Don't take it wrong Harold, I like you, but I just wanted to give you an example where YOU are going against the BOD rules (like all of us using Hoyts we close your sales call center, me included).
Maria
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hsimpsonjr
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# Posted: 7 May 2007 22:02
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Maria,
I have been told by several members that the BOD has approved this method (Keeping all lower level sales and commissions) and it is used by several teams, not just ours. If this is not the case then I apologize but more than 3 or 4 from other teams have said they use the same method and that it is approved by the board.
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