The Watkins story began over a century ago in 1868 when a young entrepreneur named J.R. Watkins started selling red liniment, along with an unheard of money-back-guarantee, starting the J.R. Watkins Medical Company. Word of his natural products and personalized service spread beyond Minnesota and the need for salesmen soon became apparent. Like any smart business owner, Mr. Watkins realized he needed some savvy salespeople to sell his wares door to door, inadvertently starting the world of direct sales and network marketing.



Today, one marketing program employed by the long-lived company is known as Good Tastings, involving casual groups of friends and family meeting to discover the foods that can be made using the Watkins line of products. These gatherings are a way for new hosts to expand their customer base, to introduce new products to existing customers, and also to recruit new associates interested in the company.

To become a Watkins associate there are a few requirements that must be met, such as having a valid social security, federal ID, or social insurance number in either the United States or Canada. You will also need to purchase a Business Introduction Package that sells for under $70.00, and also pay an annual membership fee of $36 in Canada or $24 in the US. Order payments are accepted using credit cards, checks, money orders, or associates have the option of the company processing their customer's orders using their own personal credit or debit cards.

Once you become a Watkins Independent Associate you will learn about their products along with various marketing strategies aimed at teaching you how to grow your business during a six week training program for new associates. Training is conducted via emails, through telephone conversations and conference calls, as well as through optional meetings and conventions.

Associates earn commissions and have the potential to earn bonus income ranging from 5 to 14% or more through incentives. The commission is 25% of your retail sale volume, and while you aren't require to sponsor anyone as a Watkins associate, you may choose to do so if you wish, building your own team of marketing associates. Your income will naturally depend upon the number of customers you have and the amount of their orders.

You also won't be required to carry any inventory, unless of course you plan on attending events to sell a large volume of products and will need to have them on hand. Other orders such as those through parties or simply by word-of-mouth are processed and delivered to you usually within one week. If you do decide on using parties and social gatherings as the primary means of growing your business, Watkins covers the costs of gifts and rewards for qualified hostesses.

You'll also be able to advertise your business as an independent associate of the company however you choose while adhering to their guidelines. There are no monthly sales quotas as you're merely supposed to order the products you'll need to fulfill you or your customer's orders. As far as promotional support, the company offers its associates the opportunity to purchase catalogs and other materials to grow their business as well as access to information and downloads through their web site.