• The Wall Street Journal , Wednesday, October 15, 2008 10:47 AM

Avon, which has struggled to recruit sales representatives in the U.S. for years, has been fattening its incentives in these lean times. In a campaign dubbed "It Pays to Be With Avon," it's offering potential recruits and its existing sales reps such perks as gas money and direct access to financial adviser Suze Orman. It is also footing the bill for representatives to set up online storefronts, and is offering free online training.

In addition, the company will cut the price it charges reps for its holiday beauty-gift bundle -- a collection of products expected to be popular with consumers -- by 30%, to $69.99. Avon's reps make money by buying the company's cosmetics, fragrances and home decor items at a discount and then selling them to clients at a higher list price.

The company's sales force in the U.S. and Canada has grown steadily, increasing 5% from a year earlier in the second quarter, more than double the previous quarter's rate.

Read the whole story at The Wall Street Journal »