What is Field Marketing?
When you've popped into your local supermarket to
do your weekly shop you must've noticed promotional staff occasionally,
either handing out leaflets to customers or demonstrating new products
on a podium. Or when travelling on the underground, haven't you ever
had the experience of a jovial brand rep enthusiastically thrusting
a new sample under your nose? (which you gladly accepted, of course!).
These individuals are part of a field marketing team. As well as in-store
promotions, such as fragrance sampling in department stores or food
tasting in supermarkets, field marketing stretches beyond these realms,
reaching expertly into auditing, product sampling, leaflet distribution,
mystery shopping, brand promotions at various events and shopping malls,
magazine distribution, door-to-door marketing and more.
How much money can I make?
Field marketing jobs are usually on an adhoc basis and although some
people only register to earn some extra cash, many find that they can
earn a good, regular income from it. Each campaign is given a time schedule,
which the agency needs to secure. Field Marketing can be fun but also
tiring as you do tend to be on your feet for most of the day. However,
they do pay fairly, in the region of £50.00 for approximately
6 hours work plus travelling expenses. Payments are usually made via
BAC so you will need to have your bank details at hand when you apply.
Some companies will tax you at source. However, others may not, which
means you will be responsible for your own tax and national contribution
payments. Do make sure that you find out from the onset if you will
be responsible for your own tax declarations or whether they will be
doing this on your behalf. Read our article on Tax
for the self-employed for more details.
Will I need a uniform or any equipment?
Some of the promotional type jobs may require
you to wear a uniform, i.e. a t-shirt, cap or other branded clothing
to work in - this helps raise brand awareness. So, do make sure that
you are happy to wear supplied outfits. You will also need access to
the internet and a printer so that you are able to send and receive
documents as required. Although many of the jobs you'll be offered will
be within your vicinity, some of them will require some travelling.
Do bear this in mind if you want to secure regular assignments.
Do I need any special skills or training?
You won't need any special skills or training
to work in this area. Field Marketing companies like to employ enthusiastic,
self-motivated, reliable people who are keen to participate in a good
mix of assignments. For example, you won't do very well if you 'only'
want to take part in 'auditing', for instance. If you show enthusiasm
and prove to be flexible and reliable your diary will soon be full,
as more and more work will be targeted your way.
What do I need to get started?
