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WHAT ABOUT SAFETY?
Ø Safety is a top priority. It is a concern of every parent and is a concern for Southwestern.
A common question is, “Can you guarantee the safety of my child?” Unfortunately, there is no such thing as a guarantee of safety. Unpredictable things can happen anytime, anywhere – including on the student’s own campus.
In regard to safety, Southwestern focuses on training, awareness and prevention.
- Safety issues are covered during Sales School. Specifically, a separate meeting is held for female students that discourages working after dark, only entering a home when they are invited in by the woman of the house – never when invited by the man of the house, being aware of their surroundings, door demonstrations and other such topics.
- While the student works independently during the day, they typically live with one to three other students of the same gender in a host home (See “Housing” section below).
- Every night, each student dealer’s student manager (who is also selling as a dealer throughout the summer) speaks to them each evening to discuss their day, give advice and provide support and collect data. Note: there is no quota on sales.
- While they relocate to another state, they generally work in the same community for the summer. The students become a part of the community for the summer, contributing to the local economy and opening a local bank account. Over time, they become known in the community because they meet so many families.
- While student dealers can decide to work anywhere within their sales locality, Southwestern does not recommend inner cities, apartment complexes or military bases. Areas sold in are predominantly suburban and rural.
- The students are advised to follow the local laws and ordinances, such as obtaining a solicitation permit if required. Southwestern has built a positive reputation in tens of thousands of towns throughout the US, Canada and the UK. To further motivate students to do the right thing, Southwestern will reimburse 50% of any permit expenses.
- Students are asked in Sales School to check in with the local police and provide them with their name, contact information, host family address and show the product they will be selling to families for the summer.
- A double-sided photo ID badge with lanyard is provided to each student. They are asked to wear it throughout the summer at each home. It contains a visual confirmation of the student and corporate contact information for Southwestern.
- Students are encouraged to turn off their cell phones during the day while with customers, however, they do have them in case of an emergency.
- The students have a support system that extends from their student manager and organizational leader on-site or nearby to their administrative assistant and Sales Manager. They can shadow an experienced student dealer and also join in on a telephonea call schedule to get the support they may need.
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