1. What is the profile of the existing independent distributors?

Our distributors, men and women, come from extremely diverse backgrounds and age groups. They may previously have been manual workers, company executives or housewives. The common factors are that they all enjoy being out and about everyday meeting people, and want the opportunity to run their own business and the change of lifestyle the distributorship offers.

2. Would I be capable of doing what is required?

The reality is that the more important consideration is to establish whether or not you would ENJOY the work. The day-to-day operations of running an independent distributorship is extremely straightforward and presents very few people with any difficulty. Our experience clearly shows that people who are naturally enthusiastic about doing this type of work are the ones who achieve the best results.

3. What type of vehicle do I need?

Experience indicates that most distributors do increase their earning potential by using a van. Although it is possible to use a sport utility vehicle or a very large car, the Premier Books Direct System was designed with a mini-van in mind. History has shown us that distributors with a van do significantly better financially then those with other types of vehicles.

4. What is the size of each area?

Distributors can cover as much territory as they decide so distributorships do vary in size. The Premier Direct System is based on standardized geographic data according to population and business density. Our most successful distributors will tailor the Premier Books Direct System to their local area. Geography and driving distances are the two primary factors that are taken into consideration. Generally, distributors decide to work in areas within a short 90-mile radius driving distance of their home. However there are a small number of rural areas where distributors cover larger distances and the driving distance can be slightly longer.

5. How do I get started?

Premier offers an optional pre-start information seminar that guides each new distributor through all aspects of establishing and maintaining a successful business. This includes route-planning techniques, time management skills, targeting potential customers. It covers everything you will need to build a successful distributorship. New distributors can also take advantage of several visits from Regional or National distributors, people who have already built a successful business of their own. These visits are done on a one on one basis.

6. What is the income potential for a distributor?

Distributors who follow the Premier system and are dedicated to building their own business can earn between $40,000 - $60,000 per year. For some it may be lower but for others it may be considerably higher. It all depends on the amount of effort a person puts into it. The focus of Premier is to provide a proven business model that allows a distributor to determine his or her own income.

7. What are the communication procedures between independent distributors and Premier Books Direct?

Premier Books Direct provides distributor help lines - a toll free phone number which operates for the benefit of all distributors between 9 am and 6 pm Monday to Friday. The Administrative Support Team members have been thoroughly trained in every aspect of the Premier Books Direct System. Distributors also communicate with Premier Books Direct over the Internet through our custom web-based messaging program.

8. Do distributors pay for stock?

No you will be supplied with the stock with no upfront costs. All stock is paid for on a weekly basis as it is sold to the customer. The distributor is responsible for any inventory in their care.

9. What record keeping is involved?

Distributors have access to Premier's extensive sales support system which can be utilized to better manage their distributorships and to keep accurate records. This state-of-the-art system will aid distributors with inventory management, route planning and the sales history of each customer. At the end of each week, the distributor must submit a full sales settle-up and a deposit receipt for that week's sales activity.

10. Do I need a business plan for my area and what purpose does it serve?

As part of the Premier Books Direct System it is advised that each distributor have and maintain a business plan for their distributorship. While the system suggests several proven plans, each independent distributor should adjust the plan to meet their own requirements. The business plan is a simple, straightforward, day-to-day, week-to-week work plan used to systematically develop your business. The work plan highlights the strengths and weaknesses of the area and allows the distributor to focus on any improvements that may need to be made. By measuring actual progress each week against the model, each distributor can track their progress.

11. When can I start if my application for an independent distributorship is accepted?

Once the formalities have been completed new distributors can normally be shipped within two weeks and can start their business thereafter.

12. Is my Independent Distributorship subject to a written contract?

Yes. Premier Books Direct and the distributor enter into a formal Independent Distributor Agreement, which outlines all obligations and responsibilities of both parties.