There is preparation necessary before the day of the demo.

A Professional Demonstrator needs the following equipment (that sometimes can be purchased from their agencies)

• A sturdy portable table - You may want to put leg extensions on the table, so it will be the proper work height for you. This can be done with PVC pipe.
  
  
• A heavy-duty collapsible cardboard demonstration table can be used, if supplied as part of the setup from the marketing company.
  
  
• A white tablecloth (If agency requests white) - This may be cotton fabric or vinyl. This cloth should reach to the floor. If not, you may want to either make or purchase a table skirt.
  
  
• For cooking demonstrations you will need appliances in good repair, such as an electric skillet, toaster oven, slow cooker, microwave, coffee pots, blenders, etc., a heavy duty extension cord, and duct tape to tape the cord to the floor.
  
  
• A non-wooden cutting board, sharp knives, spatulas, serving spoons, serving dishes, bowls, cooler, spray bottle of sanitizer, and a trash receptacle.
  
  

Review your kit as soon as you receive it and make sure you read all the material. Know your product and how you are preparing and promoting it. If alerted that there is a kit and it does not arrive by 3-4 days before your assigned event, contact your agency immediately.

Alert Store of Event- if instructed by agency 72 hours prior to your event. Calling the store confirms there is a sufficient product to support your demonstration. Identify yourself and inform the Department Manager as to when the demo will take place. Clarify that you are checking to see if there is sufficient product for the demo, not just that the store carries the product. Document the Manager's name, date, and time of this pre-check. If there is insufficient product, contact your agency.

Organize all the equipment and supplies you need for your demo. Remember to bring a pencil or a pen.

Rescheduling events:
Always alert your agency if a reschedule is necessary. Sometimes a reschedule is not acceptable due to a tie-in promotion, price breaks on product within certain time frame directed by manufacturer, marketing company, or retailer. Auditors check stores based on a submitted schedule from demonstration companies.

DRESS CODE

A Professional Demonstrator should:

• Always dress conservatively.
• Arrive with neat clean hair; if it is longer than shoulder length, it should be pulled back. Some stores require a hair net or a white or black cap to be worn.
• Wear only conservative makeup and jewelry. Clean hands and fingernails.
• Wear a clean solid white man-tailored shirt/blouse with collar/long sleeves/cuffs. Check with Agency for chain-specific dress codes.
• Wear white or black sweater may be worn over white shirt but under apron (varies by agency).
• Wear black pants or skirt.
• Wear black apron (unless otherwise stated).
• Wear comfortable, clean black closed toe shoes.
• Be prepared for Special Events that may require a tuxedo shirt and bowtie.
• The only time the dress code may differ is when a change is requested by the store or the client as detailed in your agency instructions.
• Always wear a Name Badge
• Be prepared to wear plastic gloves and hairnet or plain black cap for cooking events. Check agency instructions.