Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 8, 1993 TAG: 9304080363
SECTION: NEIGHBORS PAGE: N-12 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: NANCY BELL STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
AVON CALLING: OPPORTUNITY DOES NOT KNOCK, IT RINGS
Alethea Manning George has been selling Avon for 20 years. But she wasn't a success until she reached age 72."I surprised myself," said the 82-year-old who led District 703 in sales for four consecutive years and has more than 10 trophies from the company.
"Before age 72, I didn't try," George said. "I didn't want to jeopardize my Social Security."
But jeopardize her earnings she has. The Internal Revenue Service is investigating George because her expenses recently surpassed her earnings.
But George, a retired teacher, said her predictament is not an example of how to make a living with Avon.
She got started selling Avon products when her daughter, a representative, returned to school for a master's degree.
George took over her daughter's customers and later was encouraged by a company district manager to visit schools near her home in Botetourt County.
George found that teachers looked forward to her visits; and soon school administrative personnel, including the superintendent, became regular customers.
During Christmas, George allows neighbors and her church members to order Avon products "at cost."
Also, as part of a prison ministry she gives special discounts on Christmas gifts to inmates at Camp 25 in Fincastle. She mails the gifts with cards to their receivers. December's generosity cost her more than $300.
"Every Christmas I say, `I don't think I'll do this again next year,' but then, of course, I do."
Even though it cuts into her commissions, George also gives breaks to customers who have financial hardships but who like Avon products.
As for the IRS audit, "I'd like to know when it became a crime in this country to give things away," asked George, who said she can't afford a lawyer or accountant to handle the case.
George said she sells Avon for social reasons. "I live alone. Reading, sewing, sweeping my kitchen - that's about all I would do. All my life I have worked. I like to get out. I'm not a homebody. Avon gives me a reason to go out."
Also, George said, her earnings buy groceries, gas and provide spending money.
"And, I can give gifts to anyone I want to."
George sells Avon products all over the county - at the courthouse, doctors' offices, law offices and banks.
"I take the brochures with me wherever I go and find out which days are best, the times that are good to come, and I work out a schedule and keep to it. It is very important that they know when you'll be coming."
People in her community marvel at her energy and determination.
"I've had people ask me how I deliver 90 packages, and I tell them how."
George said that because so many of her orders come from groups, she is able to make fewer stops while delivering many orders.
"I am very organized. When a new brochure comes in, I read it from cover to cover. I know what is on special and think of the people who use those products so I can be sure to tell them."
Beverly Palmer, Roanoke district manager, said George is an inspiration to others.
"She had a stroke [a blood clot in the head, corrects George], and I spoke to her at the hospital, and she said, `Don't worry, I'll be back at work soon,' " Palmer said.
"It was four or five days, and I couldn't wait to get out," said George.
George also is a substitute teacher in Botetourt County, tutors home-bound children and baby-sits.
Alethea George can be reached at 473-2074.